EDMONTON – Homicide detectives say 21-year-old London Williams is responsible for the death of 34-year-old Ibrahim Yousef Chehimi.
However, Williams was found dead on March 24 in Smoky Lake. Edmonton police took over that homicide investigation from the RCMP. They say a suspect in Williams’ homicide has been identified and the investigation continues.
Chehimi was killed during an early morning shooting on Jan. 21, 2014 in the Oliver Neighbourhood near 112 Street and 104 Avenue. According to police, a fight started inside Hudsons Canadian Taphouse before the shooting.
“We understand an altercation occurred inside the bar between at least two groups of men and parts of those groups somehow made their way out into the parking lot where this confrontation continued, until such time as one individual began firing,” said Insp. Brian Nowlan, Edmonton Police Service Duty Officer, in January.
A 28-year-old also sustained a superficial gunshot wound to his arm. He was treated and released from hospital.
According to police, the shooter fled the scene on foot.
Hudsons was full at the time of the incident, and investigators interviewed dozens of people.
“It was a typical industry night,” explained Chris Decock, president of Hudsons Canadian Tap House. “Usually around 180 people would be there.”
A description of the suspect was limited shortly after the shooting. Witnesses could only tell investigators the suspect was allegedly a tall, black male.
“There was an argument between two groups, and one group was asked to leave,” said Decock. “Security did a great job removing them from the establishment. Nothing else occurred inside. Once the group was outside, another incident occurred out there, of which shots were fired and someone was killed.”
“It’s a very unfortunate situation that occurred outside of Hudsons, and our thoughts and condolences go out to the family.”
One patron said the incident was unexpected.
“It was a great night. There was no tension, there was no nothing, so it just kind of came out of the blue. Like I said, I didn’t even know anything had happened until I tried to leave and the cops said ‘hey, you got to go inside and do a statement,'” said Sean Lamb.
The president of Hudsons said the violence is disappointing granted the establishment is expecting a Best Bar None award at the end of the month for its work increasing safety at the establishment.
*NOTE: This article was originally published on Jan. 21, 2014. It was updated on Dec. 19, 2014 with information on the suspect and investigation.