WATCH ABOVE: Edmonton police announced Saturday they have laid charges in two of this year’s homicides in the city. One of the victims was wanted in connection with a third Edmonton homicide. Jessica Kent has the details.
EDMONTON — Charges have been laid against a 17-year-old girl after a 32-year-old man was found dead on a central Edmonton street earlier this week.
The youth, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was charged with second-degree murder, possession of a weapon and robbery in Shawn Richard’s death.
Richard was found lying in the middle of 95 Street between 117 and 118 Avenues at around 3:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31. He died of a stab wound to the chest.
“This 17-year-old, I have to say, was living in a group home only blocks away from the homicide scene and basically running wild out of that group home,” said EPS Staff Sgt. Bill Clark.
Clark said the group home had a curfew in place, but it doesn’t appear the curfew was in effect.
“They were basically out all night and then they would sign in and sleep all day long. I’m not sure why we would have a group home system that operates in that fashion, but obviously those type of things were a factor in contributing to this incident.
“It’s appalling the way this group home is run.”
Clark said the 17-year-old girl is “very well known” to police.
“I believe the stat was she has committed 27 additional crimes while out on court-imposed conditions.”
The 17-year-old girl knew Richard “through their street dealings,” Clark added.
READ MORE: Man’s death in central Edmonton city’s latest homicide
Earlier this week, police said Richard was known to police and had “been dealing drugs in the area.”
Police said Saturday Richard was also the “primary suspect” in the death of Claudia Iron-Howard. The 29-year-old woman was fatally stabbed in the area of 106 Avenue and 103 Street in June.
“We were just developing the evidence and had enough evidence to charge Mr. Richard, so he would have been charged with that offence,” said Clark. “We are now clearing that homicide as a result of his death.”
Clark added that there are a lot of very well-run group homes in Edmonton. He also said police had “absolutely super” cooperation with children’s services in the investigation.
Clark said the investigation into Richard’s death is ongoing.
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