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Charges withdrawn against suspect in hit and run that killed Edmonton teen

Police tape surrounds an area in west Edmonton after a hit and run, Monday, May 22, 2017. Laurel Gregory, Global News

Edmonton police have withdrawn charges, including second-degree murder, laid against the man originally accused in a hit-and-run collision that killed a 18-year-old pedestrian.

“New information has led investigators to withdraw the charges, at this time, against Justin Handbury, 31, who was alleged to have struck and killed an 18-year-old male with a Ford F-150 truck on May 22, following an altercation at a west-end residence.”

Jade Belcourt, 18, was struck by a Ford F-150 truck at 190 Street and 85 Avenue. The vehicle left the scene and the teen later died in hospital.

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An autopsy revealed the cause of death was blunt craniocervical spine trauma, and it has been ruled a homicide.

On Tuesday, police issued photos of Handbury, saying they were looking for him in connection to the case. On Wednesday, he turned himself in at the Strathcona County RCMP detachment.

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Handbury was 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.

On Friday, all those charges connected to the crash were withdrawn.

Police said Handbury will remain in custody on “unrelated outstanding warrants.”

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