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A man is facing two second-degree murder charges following two deaths in Edmonton’s Chinatown district Wednesday.
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The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) said an autopsy on Friday confirmed the death of a 64-year-old man is a homicide and he died from blunt force injuries to the head.
Around 4 pm on Wednesday, officers responded to a report of an aggravated assault at an autobody shop in the area of 106 Avenue and 98 Street. Officers found the man and transported him to hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries. He died from his injuries on Thursday.
Upon arrival, police said witnesses identified a 36-year-old suspect involved in the assault and officers took him into custody.
Anthony Hai, owner of Albert’s Autobody, said the 64-year-old man worked with him since he opened his shop in 1989.
“He’s a pretty good worker otherwise he wouldn’t have been working here for 33 years,” said Hai.
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“I think I’m holding up OK so far, but still, I think I have had my moments in the last two-and-a-half days.”
Further investigation led police to a second scene at 105 Avenue and 98 Street where officers found an injured 61-year-old man. Police said the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The 36-year-old suspect is believed to be involved in both deaths, police said.
Police said the suspect was not known to either victim and they are not looking for additional suspects.
Hai said community members and business owners in the area had a meeting with Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and EPS Chief Dale McFee on Thursday night. Hai said McFee promised to deploy more resources in the area next week.
He added he has been more on edge when at work since Wednesday’s attacks.
“Going about what I have to do the last couple of days or so I did have to be more cautious about everything and definitely check my video camera more often,” he said.
Justin Bone, 36, is charged with second-degree murder and robbery in relation to Hoang’s death. Police said he is also charged with a second count of second-degree murder in relation to the death of the 61-year-old.
An autopsy for the 61-year-old man is scheduled for Tuesday.