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Man fatally shot in downtown Edmonton Saturday; death deemed homicide

WATCH ABOVE: Police are investigating a suspicious death in central Edmonton this weekend. As Julia Wong reports, officers were called to the area after witnesses reported hearing gunshots. WARNING: Graphic content – Jan 21, 2017

WARNING: This story contains graphic images. Viewer discretion is advised.

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The death of a 28-year-old man, found seriously injured in central Edmonton Saturday morning, has been deemed a homicide.

Police said Monday Ian Janvier died from gunshot wounds. His death is Edmonton’s fifth homicide of the year.

“No arrests have been made in this investigation,” Staff Sgt. Colin Derksen said. “Every piece of information helps with the investigation. If you saw or heard anything out of the ordinary on Saturday morning, please call police.”

Officers were called to the area of 110 Avenue and 84 Street just after 6:45 a.m. after gunfire was reported.

The victim was rushed to hospital where police said he later died of his injuries.

Margaret Ward lives on the second floor of a building at the centre of the crime scene. She told Global News she has lived there for three years.

“It’s a family building and it’s usually quiet [with] kids playing around,” she said.
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However, that changed Saturday morning.

“There was gunshots that I heard that woke me up this morning,” she said, adding she heard at least four shots.

“I looked out the window and a bunch of [police] vehicles came around the building. They came out with rifles.”

Ward then went out to investigate.

“I [saw] the victim when I went down the stairs [to the lobby area]. I was told to go back to my suite,” she said, adding the man appeared to be in his 20s and she did not recognize him.
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The incident has left Ward shaken.

“I’m thinking of moving. I [have to] move from this area because it’s been a little hectic and [there’s] a lot of crime in this area,” she said.

The building at the centre of the crime scene is operated by Homeward Trust, an organization working to end homelessness.

Cole Lehto, property manager for Homeward Trust, said there are 20 units in the building.

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“Homeward Trust operates the building in a receivership situation, where the building was previously operated by [another company]. The housing is not specific to any particular group of people other than usually lower-income,” he said.

Lehto said Saturday morning’s violence may prompt changes at the building.

“Currently, there is no camera system in this building. Some of our other buildings do have camera systems. It’s something we may look at,” he said. “Sometimes there are concerns. We try to rectify them as quickly as we can with guest management. It’s hard to say, sometimes the area can attract attention.”

Lehto said, at this point, it’s unclear whether the victim is a resident of the building.

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“It’s upsetting. I think, obviously these things can happen anywhere in the city. It’s still upsetting to imagine the residents I speak and deal with, at the very least, they’re very upset. I’m hoping it’s not someone I have met and spoken to,” he said.

A significant police presence could be seen in the area Saturday morning. Shortly before 10 a.m., police tape could be seen blocking off part of an alley.

A significant police presence could be seen in the area of 110 Avenue and 84 Street on Jan. 21, 2017. Dean Twardzik/ Global News

Police are asking anyone with information to call them at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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