WATCH ABOVE: Edmonton police have arrested a 19-year-old man in connection to a shooting death in north Edmonton. Staff Sgt. Bill Clark said initial reports from the scene appear unfounded.
EDMONTON — A 19-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter and careless use of a firearm in the death of a 21-year-old found at a north Edmonton condo building early Thursday morning.
At 12:40 a.m., EMS and police responded to a gunshot wound call at Beaumaris Lake Estates at 15503 106 Street.
“When EMS arrived, along with EPS, it was determined that there was a young male who was deceased,” said EPS Insp. Joel Whittaker on Thursday.
On Friday, an autopsy confirmed Brandon Campbell, 21, died of a gunshot wound.
In a statement to Global News, a family spokesperson said they were reeling.
“It is with profound shock and grief that we received the news of Brandon’s passing,” said his aunt, Liz Rennie.
“Contrary to earlier statements made to the media, Brandon had plenty of family in the Edmonton area; all of whom loved him very much and are saddened by this terrible news. Like most of us, he had made some poor choices in the past, but he was a driven young man, and was actively trying to make his future a bright one. He spoke often about pursing all his educational and personal goals.
“Brandon was one of the most kind and generous souls alive, and will be missed immensely.
“This was a terrible accident, and because of some carelessness, we have lost our loved one,” Rennie added. “While we hope there will be consequences for the people involved in this tragedy, we hope that two lives are not lost to this senseless act.”
Police also found a distraught man outside the condo and a 16-year-old girl who was still inside the suite. The man was taken in for questioning. Homicide detectives were called in to investigate.
Initial reports from the scene said that three men dressed in black — or three black men — had entered the condo, pulled out a gun and shot the victim before taking off. That prompted officers, including the Air 1 helicopter and a canine unit, to try and track down the suspects.
However, after interviewing several people and gathering more information, police determined the initial report was unfounded. As a result, the 19-year-old man who police found outside the condo was arrested.
“It looks like one of those incidents where alcohol and drugs are involved and people aren’t thinking straight, and there’s gun play involved somehow,” explained Staff Sgt. Bill Clark.
“There was no indication of a fight or any type of altercation going on. By all accounts, it looked like all three just lived here, and they were fooling around with a gun is what it’s looking like early on.”
Police said Friday Dallas Edlund, 19, had been charged with manslaughter, careless use of a firearm, pointing a firearm and knowingly possessing an unauthorized firearm.
Clark didn’t expect the 16-year-old girl will face any charges.
No one else was injured. The Homicide Section continues to investigate.
*NOTE: This article was originally published on Sept. 3 and was updated on Sept. 4 with information on the autopsy and charges.
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