Suspects arrested, murder charge laid in fatal Red Deer shooting

Dec 22, 2019 | 1:17 PM

RED DEER — Two arrests have been made and a murder charge has been laid in connection to Friday night’s fatal shooting in Red Deer.

After initially saying they believed the shooting was targeted, RCMP confirm following their investigation that the shooting was not targeted.

Police say the victim, Charles (Jim) Williams, 69, and his wife were leaving the south-end Walmart when Williams was approached by an individual unknown to them. There was an altercation and 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 two 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.

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Both suspects were in custody by 10:30 p.m. Friday, RCMP say in a release.

Chase Freed, 18, of Red Deer has been charged with second degree murder, two counts of attempted murder while using a firearm, fail to stop while being pursued by a police officer, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and theft of a motor vehicle.

Crystal Maurice, 30, has been charged with accessory after the fact to murder, failing to stop while being pursued by a police officer dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and theft of a motor vehicle.

Freed has been remanded to be appear in court on January 6, 2020 in Red Deer, while Maurice has been remanded to be appear in court on December 23 in Red Deer.

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

by Troy Gillard