Update #2: Red Deer RCMP on scene of a shooting at South Red Deer Walmart

December 22, 2019
Red Deer, Alberta

News release

Following the investigation into the South Red Deer Walmart shooting on December 20, RCMP can confirm that the shooting was not targeted. Charles (Jim) Williams, 69, and his wife were leaving the Walmart when Mr. Williams was approached by an individual unknown to them. There was an altercation and Mr. Williams was fatally shot. The suspect then fled the scene in a stolen vehicle being operated by a female.

RCMP Air Services, Police Dog Services, the Emergency Response Team and RCMP members from surrounding detachments were deployed to assist. Rimbey RCMP received a report of a stolen vehicle from their detachment area and shortly thereafter both stolen vehicles were observed by RCMP Air Services. Spike belts were deployed and successfully immobilized both vehicles. A female suspect remained in one of the stolen vehicles and was arrested. The male suspect fled on foot and was apprehended shortly thereafter. Both suspects were in custody by 10:30 p.m.

Chase Freed (18) of Red Deer, Alta. and Crystal Maurice (30) of Red Deer, Alta. face several charges.

Chase Freed has been charged with:

  • Second degree murder
  • Attempted murder while using a firearm (x2)
  • Fail to stop while being pursued by a police officer
  • Dangerous operation
  • Theft of motor vehicle

Crystal Maurice has been charged with:

  • Accessory after the fact to murder
  • Fail to stop while being pursued by a police officer
  • Dangerous operation
  • Theft of motor vehicle

Chase Freed has been remanded to be appear in Court on January 6, 2020 at 0930 hours in Red Deer via CCTV.

Crystal Maurice has been remanded to be appear in Court on December 23, 2019 at 0930 hours in Red Deer via CCTV.

As this matter is now before the courts, no further information will be provided.

Background:

Dec. 21, 2019

Update#1: Red Deer RCMP on scene of a shooting at South Red Deer Walmart


Red Deer, Alta. - RCMP would like to thank everyone for their patience, allowing members the necessary time to process the scene at the South Red Deer Walmart. RCMP will have completed their work by 12:00 p.m. noon at which point owners are welcome to come and retrieve their vehicles.

The South Red Deer Walmart has resumed normal working hours and is now open for business.

The investigation is ongoing. There are no further updates.

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Contact information

Media contact:
Alberta Media Relations
780-509-3790

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