Stephanie Babych

May 17, 2022

-Calgary Herald

 

Calgary police issued seven Canada-wide warrants for a man believed to be involved in the death of an innocent Calgary woman, including warrants for manslaughter and attempted murder.

According to Calgary police, investigators have worked tirelessly to identify the people involved in an incident that took place on May 10, resulting in the death of 40-year-old Angela McKenzie”, “target_url”: “https://calgaryherald.com/news/crime/vehicle-crash-after-reported-gunfire-leaves-woman-dead-in-forest-lawn”}”>in the death of 40-year-old Angela McKenzie. Through their investigation of the scene, witness interviews and processing of collected evidence, the seven warrants have been issued for one man who is allegedly responsible.

“Our investigators have worked day and night to identify the person responsible for the tragic death of Ms. McKenzie,” Staff Sgt. Sean Gregson with the CPS homicide unit said in a news release.

Police received multiple reports of two vehicles that were driving dangerously along 36 Street S.E. around 11:10 p.m. on May 10. Witnesses said the vehicles had been involved in a shooting before they collided with two unrelated vehicles at the intersection of 36 Street and 17 Avenue S.E.

McKenzie, who had been driving one of the uninvolved vehicles, died in the incident. Several homes in the area were struck by gunfire during the shooting.

Originally, CPS said the incident may have been linked to road rage, however, now that the individuals involved have been identified and evidence analyzed, investigators believe the shooting was targeted and that the driver of the other involved vehicle was the target.

CPS has issued Canada-wide warrants for Talal Amer, 29, in relation to this incident, including attempted murder, manslaughter, reckless discharge of a firearm, possession of a prohibited firearm with an obliterated serial number, unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of a prohibited firearm, and possession of a prohibited device.

Investigators describe Amer as about 5 feet 11 inches tall, 230 pounds, with brown eyes and hair.

“This incident was a careless and senseless display of violence in our community and we believe that Talal Amer was solely responsible for the death of Ms. McKenzie,” said Gregson.

Calgary police had initially said the occupants of a Volkswagen Jetta — the other involved vehicle — had exchanged gunfire with the Chevy Silverado, which Amer was allegedly driving. In Monday’s update, however, police said the occupants of the Jetta did not fire a gun.

The Chevy Silverado was also confirmed to be stolen.

“It is alleged that Amer was the aggressor in this incident by pursuing the Jetta and discharging a firearm before ultimately colliding with Ms. McKenzie’s vehicle,” said Calgary police in the news release.

In a statement to reporters, McKenzie’s mother, Sylvia McKenzie, said McKenzie was a beacon of light and defender of her family and five children.

“She saw joy and hope where others only found struggle,” said Sylvia. “In our struggle to accept her death, Canadians, and especially Calgarians, have shown the Shaws and ourselves a grace and generosity that matches that of our beloved daughter, sister and mother. We see the beautiful soul of our community blossoming from this ugly act, and we get to experience the dignity of the world the way Angela always experienced it.”

A GoFundMe to support McKenzie’s five children, who are now orphaned (they lost their father, Tyrel Shaw, in February) has raised more than $135,000. As well, another fundraiser organized by McKenzie’s church congregation had raised more than $99,000 by Monday afternoon.

c. CALGARY HERALD