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Man found dead in Evergreen declared Calgary’s latest homicide victim

CALGARY – The Calgary Police Service Homicide Unit is investigating the death of a 31-year-old man in the community of Evergreen.

Police were called to the 500 block of Evermeadow Road S.W. at around 11:15 p.m. on Wednesday for reports of gunshots.

When they arrived, officers found Joel Gary Geddes dead at the scene.

“This incident is not thought to be random,” said police in a Thursday news release. “However, a specific motive has yet to be determined.”

Global News has learned Geddes had a long criminal history that included a manslaughter conviction. It’s also believed he had ties to organized crime in Manitoba.

Joel Gary Geddes was found dead in Calgary’s Evergreen community on Oct. 7, 2015. Obtained by Global News

Geddes’ cause of death hasn’t been released, but residents in the suburban community told Global News they heard anywhere from three to six shots fired.

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“I was sleeping and they woke me up,” said Phil Scheiris, who initially thought the sound was neighbours setting off fireworks.

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Jason Mantel, a father of four, was heading home from the Calgary Flames game when he approached flashing lights and police tape in the area surrounding his house.

“The one [officer] told me there was a shooting so I had to go away,” said Mantel.

“My quiet little neighbourhood is changing. We’ve never had anything like this happen here before.”

Meanwhile, neighbour Aivy Bickus said he was shocked to wake up to crime tape and police cars.

“It’s pretty surprising considering this is a pretty nice, quiet neighbourhood,” he said.

Investigators are asking anyone who may have been in the area at the time to contact police or call Crime Stoppers.

– With files from Jill Croteau

Police investigate the discovery of a body along Evermeadow Road S.W. on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015. Global News

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