Two people have now been charged in connection with the fatal highway shooting that killed Barinder Singh on Queen Elizabeth II Highway south of Edmonton in what investigators describe as a senseless and largely random act.
According to police, the shooting happened on March 14 near Leduc while Singh was driving with two close friends.
Investigators say a pickup truck moved alongside Singh’s black Honda Civic while both vehicles were travelling southbound.
Police believe there was a short interaction between the two vehicles before the shooting, including a hand gesture made from the suspect vehicle that appeared to resemble a peace sign.
The occupants of Singh’s vehicle reportedly believed the gesture was friendly, and Singh returned it moments before gunfire erupted.
Authorities say shots were then fired from the truck, striking Singh in the neck.
Despite the injury, Singh and his friends managed to safely stop the vehicle on the highway.
His friends immediately tried to control the bleeding and called emergency services, but Singh died shortly afterward.
Investigators allege Jimmy Gassner, aged 18, was the passenger in the truck and fired the shots.
He was arrested in Canoe Lake and charged with second degree murder.
A second accused, Deon Libsekil, aged 23, has also been charged with second degree murder and accessory after the fact.
Police say Libsekil was already in custody on unrelated matters when investigators linked him to the case.
RCMP stated that both suspects were already known to police before the incident.
Investigators say there was no previous connection between Singh and the suspects.
Police have ruled out robbery, road rage, gang initiation, and hate motivation as direct causes.
Officials also stressed that there is no indication the victim or his friends had any gang involvement or criminal background.
RCMP told community leaders that the killing was not racially motivated and should not be viewed as part of a broader pattern against the Sikh community.
Although a full motive remains under investigation, officers believe the act was partially random, making it especially difficult to investigate.
Police say all suspects connected to the shooting have now been identified and charged.
The case has deeply affected community members because of the sudden and unexplained nature of the attack, with investigators calling it one of the rarest forms of violent crime on Alberta highways. 🚓⚖️🛣️🕯️
Courtesy: globalnews
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