The Calgary Police Service believes some people may be assisting a man wanted in relation to the death of Angela McKenzie, a 40-year-old mother of five who was killed in a collision on May 10.
According to police, shots were fired after two cars were driving erratically in southeast Calgary.
Canada-wide warrants were issued on Monday for Talal Amer on Monday and now police believe individuals may be helping the 29-year-old evade police.
“This is a tragic case and we are dedicated to locating him in order to bring justice for Angela’s family,” Staff Sgt. Sean Gregson said.
“Conversely, we will seek to hold all individuals accountable who may be helping Amer avoid being taken into custody.”
Investigators also believe Amer may have been provided a ride by a citizen parked near the location of the incident and they were likely unaware of what had taken place, the CPS said in a Wednesday statement.
Police say they are looking to speak with the individual who was parked near 17 Avenue and 36 Street S.E. on the night of May 10.
“We believe that a citizen may have acted as a Good Samaritan and provided Amer a ride without knowing about the tragedy that had just occurred,” Gregson said.
“Based on the interaction with Amer, we don’t believe this individual was connected to the incident, however they may have important information that could help us locate Amer.”
“Looking at the footage, this vehicle was parked prior to the collision and what we can gather, he’s approached this vehicle and likely has asked to give him a ride and maybe even offered him money,” Gregson told Global News. “We do know he approached other people looking for a ride.”
Amer is wanted on seven warrants in relation to the incident, including attempted murder, manslaughter and reckless discharge of a firearm.
Friends and family still in shock
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“It’s been a journey. Disbelief, shock, uncertainty and coming alongside (Angela’s mother) Sylvia and just trying to process what’s happening and next steps for the family and the children,” Capt. Ian Scott of the Salvation Army Berkshire Citadel Community Church, said.
Scott said the church community is left wondering how this could happen to a beloved member.
“There’s questioning but there are no answers, they’re seeking understanding but there are none. There’s no answers. This is a safe place to express hurt, anger, loss – all the different emotions without judgement.”
The McKenzie family’s spokesperson said they were “numb” after last week’s tragic events and suspect Amer is in hiding.
“This whole thing was such an act of not thinking and not caring and that’s the biggest frustration, this idea that anyone would want to do this and have no regard and just don’t care,” Sven Stüwe told Global News.
A crowdfunding page for the five McKenzie children surpassed $100,000 this week.
–with files from Jill Croteau and Adam Toy, Global News
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