*UPDATE May 26: On Friday, Edmonton police said charges, including second-degree murder, were withdrawn against 31-year-old Justin Handbury. He was charged in connection with the hit-and-run death of an 18-year-old man on May 22 in the west end. Police said Handbury will remain in custody on unrelated outstanding warrants.*
READ MORE: Charges withdrawn against suspect in hit and run that killed Edmonton teen
A man wanted in connection to the hit-and-run death of an 18-year-old in Edmonton’s west end has turned himself into police and is now facing a slew of charges.
Jade Belcourt, 18, was struck by a Ford F150 truck following an altercation at 190 Street and 85 Avenue. The vehicle left the scene and the teen later died in hospital.
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The victim’s aunt, Beth Cork, told Global News on Monday that a person punched her older nephew during an altercation before the crash and then hit her younger nephew, Jade, with a vehicle.
READ MORE: Teenager in critical condition after west Edmonton hit and run
An autopsy revealed the cause of death was blunt craniocervical spine trauma, and it has been ruled a homicide.
Police were hunting Justin Handbury, 31, as of Tuesday for murder-related warrants. Handbury turned himself in at the Strathcona County RCMP detachment on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
READ MORE: Edmonton police hunt man wanted for murder in hit and run that killed teen
Handbury is charged with second-degree murder, attempt to commit murder, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property over $5,000, two counts of failing to stop at the scene of an accident and three counts of breach of recognizance.
Police believe the Handbury and Belcourt knew each other and said this was not a random attack.
The truck allegedly involved in the incident was recovered near Wetaskiwin and investigators say it was stolen.
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