The Alberta RCMP have now laid charges in connection with the tragic shooting which occurred in Rocky View County on Aug. 6, 2024. RCMP have charged a 35-year-old individual, a resident of Edmonton with the first-degree murder of Airdrie resident Colin John Hough as well as attempted murder of another individual. The 35-year-old individual has been arrested and taken before a justice of the peace. The individual has been remanded into custody with a next court date set for Aug. 15, 2024, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Airdrie, Alta.
Additionally, RCMP continue to search for the second suspect in the shooting. Elijah Blake Strawberry, 28-years-old, now has a warrant for his arrest for the second-degree murder of Colin Hough. RCMP are asking for the public's assistance in locating Strawberry.
Elijah Strawberry is described as:
- Light complexion
- 6 feet 1 inch tall
- 169 pounds
- Several arm and face tattoos
- Brown hair
Elijah Strawberry is considered armed and dangerous. If seen do not approach dial 911 immediately.
The Alberta RCMP wish to offer a timeline into the investigation that led to both an arrest and a warrant for arrest.
On Aug. 6, 2024, around noon hour, officers from the Strathmore RCMP received a report of two men who had been shot while doing work along a roadway on Township Road 250 and Range Road 281 in Rocky View County. Upon arriving on scene, emergency crews discovered that Colin Hough and a 39-year-old victim had both been shot during an attempted robbery by two, then unknown, individuals. The suspects burnt the stolen vehicle they arrived to the scene in, and stole one of the victim's Rocky View County pickup trucks.
Responding officers were able locate the suspects in the Rocky View County pickup truck and engaged in a pursuit; however, the suspects were successful in evading police.
Soon after, using the Rocky View County pic-up truck on-board GPS, police were able to locate the truck abandoned in a field in the area of Range Road 252 and Township Road 260. Faced with the potential of armed suspects in area, RCMP issued a Police-Initiated Public Alert advising residents in the area to shelter in place. Strathmore RCMP, with assistance of our Emergency Response Team, Calgary Police TAC, Calgary Police Dog Service, the Alberta RCMP helicopter, Calgary HAWCS, drones, and neighbouring detachments, conducted a thorough search of the area. At this point in time, police had limited and vague descriptions of the suspects involved in the incident. Providing vague or potentially inaccurate information to the public about the suspects at this crucial time could have been misleading and potentially dangerous.
After conducting a thorough search, RCMP were satisfied that the suspects could no longer be in the area and the immediate risk to residents had subsided. Police at this time lifted the shelter in place and continued to investigate.
After continued investigation, police learned that the suspects, during an unrelated incident, were involved in a minor collision in Calgary in which the stolen vehicle they were driving was partially disabled. They then drove to where the shooting victims were working and attempted to steal a new vehicle. It was at this time both victims were shot.
On Aug. 8, 2024, RCMP determined that the 35-year-old individual was one of the suspects. Immediate actions were taken to set up surveillance on the 35-year-old individual and liaise with Alberta Crown Prosecutors to obtained charge approvals. Once the approval was received, RCMP with assistance from Edmonton Police Service, safety arrested the 35-year-old individual in Edmonton.
On Aug. 11, 2024, police identified Elijah Strawberry as the second suspect in this incident. Today, after receiving crown approval, RCMP have obtained a warrant for his arrest. We ask that anyone who sees him or as information about his whereabouts call 911.
"I want to assure everyone that the RCMP has done, and continue to do, everything in our power to swiftly investigate and arrest these dangerous suspects. I give my most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Colin Hough who was out working and making a living when these individuals took his life," says Staff Sergeant Mark Wielgosz, "I also want the other victim in this tragedy to know that our thoughts are with him as well."
Despite these charges, the RCMP's investigation continues:
- We continue to work at identifying the occupants of Black Volkswagen Jetta as they may have witnessed this incident. We ask for these individuals to come forward.
- We believe that a quad stolen on Aug. 7, 2024, a 1:34 p.m. in Wheatland County may be connected to our investigation. We ask that members of public check their dash cam footage and surveillance cameras if they have seen the quad or its occupants.
Elijah Strawberry is considered armed and dangerous. If seen do no approach - dial 911 immediately. Alberta RCMP are still seeking public's help with video footage and information surrounding this incident. If you have information about this incident or those responsible, please call the Strathmore RCMP at 403-934-3535. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
Background:
Aug. 12, 2024
Strathmore RCMP issue shelter in place - Update #9
The Alberta RCMP would like to announce a significant update in the investigation of the tragic shooting which occurred in Rocky View County on Aug. 6, 2024.
On Aug. 11, 2024, the Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit with the assistance of members of the Edmonton Police Service arrested a suspect. This suspect remains in custody with charges pending. Details on this suspect will be provided once the charges have been sworn.
Additionally, RCMP have identified a second suspect in the shooting. RCMP have obtained an arrest warrant for murder for 28-year-old Elijah Blake Strawberry. RCMP are asking for the public's assistance in locating Strawberry.
Elijah Strawberry is described as:
- Light complexion
- 6 feet 1 inch tall
- 169 pounds
- Several arm and face tattoos
- Brown hair
Elijah Strawberry is considered armed and dangerous. If seen Do no approach dial 911 immediately.
Alberta RCMP anticipate additional updates going forward.
Alberta RCMP are still seeking public's help with video footage and information surrounding this incident. If you have information about this incident or those responsible, please call the Strathmore RCMP at 403-934-3535. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
Background:
Aug. 10, 2024
Strathmore RCMP issue shelter in place – Update #8
RCMP Major Crimes Unit and Strathmore RCMP advise that the stolen quad has been discovered. It was located abandoned in the Didsbury area. RCMP would like to thank the public for their assistance in this investigation.
RCMP is following up on all potential leads and cannot confirm at this time whether the quad incident is connected to the homicide investigation.