Jesse Lee James, 23, was shot to death on September 4th, 2010.
James was Edmonton's eighteenth homicide victim of the year.
An 18-year-old male (who was a young offender at the time of the offence), 19-year-old Mahamed Abdulle, 19-year-old Jason Kadeem Williams, and 21-year-old Christopher Macoon-Evans were each charged with second-degree murder.
curbside memorial |
white clothing - black deeds?
suspect vehicle description |
BMW found - persons taken into custody
suspect descriptions released |
multiple charges laid
At about 3:15 p.m. Saturday, September 4th, 2010, police arrived at the Meadow View Manor parking lot at 379 Saddleback Road after residents reported hearing shots fired.
There they found the body of a man lying on the ground beside a burgundy-coloured Cadillac Escalade.
Witnesses reported he had been shot in the head and that two men were seen fleeing in a white car.
Despite a heavy police presence at the scene, investigators initially only termed the death as suspicious.
However, area residents appeared certain that a known pusher had been shot during a drug deal that went wrong – read more »
In interviews with media, witnesses said the 23-year-old shooting victim, who was wearing a white shirt and dark-coloured track pants, had met up with "two black guys" in the parking lot.
Shortly thereafter, bullets flew – some witnesses reporting hearing a single shot while others said it was several.
"I heard a big clap and thought it was one of the canister lids closing or it could have been a gunshot," Evan Linklater said.
"I just heard the loud pop. It sounded like a car backfiring but it did sound like a gunshot to me," Chris Mitchell said.
"We were coming back from the park and we saw two men standing outside the building," said Tea, who didn't want her last name used.
"When we went inside, that's when we heard the gunshot."
The man fell to the ground outside the driver-side door of the Cadillac. It appeared he had been shot in the temple.
"It wasn't a pretty sight," Tea said.
One of the two men then reached into the SUV before they took off in a white BMW driven by a third person.
"I saw them grab something ...," Tea said. "This really scares me because there are so many kids that live in this area."
"When we went to go see the body there were two little kids just standing there," another woman said.
"That's messed up."
That description was echoed by another witness.
"I saw his brains all over," he said.
Neighbour Mario Gomes seemed to know a lot about what went down Saturday in broad daylight.
"He's a known drug dealer," Gomes said.
"Two black guys roughed him up and then shot at him. They shot him in the head."
Suspicions of drug dealing were echoed by Sean Monson. He said he had seen the SUV before, parked near his suite.
"I saw that Escalade here on Wednesday," he said.
Monson remembered the driver flashed his high beams at him.
"All I heard were tires peeling out of here after the shooting," he said. "I did not want to leave home right after the shooting."
Neighbours said the SUV did not belong to stall #367 – the woman who normally parks there said she had never seen the vehicle before.
However, other residents were familiar with the Escalade, often seeing it stop by but never staying for long.
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The investigation continued for the rest of the day, with police going door-to-door interviewing witnesses – some of them quite young – read more and see images »
Ten-year-old Nishant Bihole told the Edmonton Sun he was walking to his friend's house when he saw two men fighting inside the Escalade.
"One guy was trying to run away but the other guy with the gun wouldn’t let him go," he said.
"At the end, as I was walking away, boom – I heard a gun shot."
Threatening skies had police scrambling to erect a tent over the crime scene to protect potential evidence against a light rainfall – see images »
Police said little on Saturday regarding the matter and made no comment on whether the shooting was drug or gang-related. Later in the day they confirmed the incident was being treated as a homicide.
On Sunday, 23-year-old Jesse Lee James was identified as the city's latest murder victim. Investigators said James was known to police and that his death was the result of a deliberate act.
"Residents should take comfort in that this is not believed to be random," a police spokesman said.
When questioned about what may have been taken from the SUV, the spokesman seemed to hold back.
"I'm not able to get into the details as to what they may or may not have found inside that vehicle."
Unlike many homicides, numerous witnesses were present at the time of the killing. While that may seemed a benefit, the spokesman said it also provided a challenge.
"Information continues to come forward – officers have quite a job ahead of them in terms of sifting through information."
An autopsy was scheduled for Wednesday morning, September 8th, 2010.
Suspect vehicle description
While no suspects were identified, detectives were able to release a description of the vehicle they believed was involved in the shooting.
"We have interviewed several witnesses and were able to come up with a detailed description of the suspect vehicle," Det. Brian Robertson said in a release to media.
Police described the car, similar to the one pictured above, as a 1991-1993 white four-door BMW with tinted windows that had minor damage to the passenger side of vehicle.
There was possibly an air freshener hanging from the rear view mirror and a small decal in the top centre of the windshield.
Police said more than one person was seen inside the car but detectives held back from releasing a firm number or their descriptions.
"We are asking for information on the current whereabouts of the vehicle as well as information from anyone who may have seen the vehicle prior to or immediately following the homicide," Robertson said.
Police did not comment on witness allegations that James was involved in the drug trade nor did they reveal specific details of his criminal history.
"It wasn't for any major crimes," Det. Dan Jones said.
A spokesman did confirm that police gang and drug units had been notified, common procedure in cases such as this.
Investigators said they did not believe that James or his assailants lived in the area. While his visit to the Blue Quill parking lot was likely a chance act, his death was the result of a targeted hit.
Curbside memorial
Late Sunday afternoon, a dozen or so friends of Jesse Lee James gathered to erect a memorial in honour of the slain man.
While police painted a picture of the victim as another possible casualty of Edmonton's drug culture, those who knew him held him in a somewhat different light – read more »
Clad in anonymity-granting hoodies, wearing white T-shirts or white towels over their heads, Jesse's friends said it was unfair that he would be noted as just a gangster or drug dealer – saying instead he was a nice guy who built his life around friends and family and avoided conflict.
"If this was over a drug deal, he wouldn't have gotten out of his car," longtime friend Tabitha told media.
Known for "just selling weed," the young man appeared to have let his guard down.
"Jesse got out of his car. These are clearly people he knows. These are people he trusted enough to get out of his car," Tabitha said.
The woman related what she knew of what led up to Jesse's death.
"What I'm told is that they had stopped on the road and they were talking to each other. It looked like they were all good. It looked like they had seen a buddy or whatever.
"When they pulled into the parking lot, Jesse got out of his car to talk to them. And when he stepped out of the car they fired the first shot. Jesse kind of fell out of his seat and then they shot him in the head."
Tabitha's account confirmed some witness reports that more than one shot had been fired.
"That just kind of goes to show that they meant to kill him.
"I know Jesse," Tabitha said. "I know him, and I know for a fact that unless he trusted that person he wouldn't have approached him."
Hearing that the young man who could afford to drive a luxury SUV had been shot, Tabitha was sure it was a joke.
"This is one of the nicest people I've ever met in my life. He would never ever look for a problem with anybody," she said.
"It's not up to anyone else to play God, and that's what those kids did."
Jesse was described by others as a talkative lover of rap music and video games, best known for his look.
"He always wore his long-ass T-shirts and always carried a towel with him," a friend since high school said.
"He was a funny guy. He's one of the only dudes I ever met that'd carry a towel around his neck."
The 'look' was of significance to one observer of the local crime scene – see next item.
While his death may have been violent, those who knew Jesse said he was a peacemaker, known for breaking the ice.
"He didn't make enemies, everywhere he went he made friends, and just everyone loved him so much – it's almost unbelievable," said another who asked not to be identified.
"He would never hurt a fly ... weapons and that kind of thing, weren't his thing."
The friend was hopeful those responsible would soon be brought to justice.
"There is a grieving family out there and a lot of hurt people and two really dangerous people on the streets that I hope the police are going to catch very soon," he said.
About what James was possibly involved in the friend would not say.
By suppertime, police asked those attending the informal memorial to leave. They did so peacefully.
Later, Jesse's family issued a statement to media.
Thank you for all the kind words and support for our son, brother, nephew and soon-to-be uncle.
Jesse was a gentle soul and we will continue to pray for him and his assailant's families.
White clothing - black deeds?
For one observer, the white theme sported by Jesse Lee James' grieving associates suggested something sinister – a strong indication of gang ties.
A retired criminologist offered that the motif was a clear indication of allegiance – read more »
"Gangs always have their markers – clothing, tattoos, the way they wear their hats, whatever," Keith Spencer said.
James' broad daylight – almost execution-style – killing was likely meant to provide a warning to others in the drug trade.
"It sure as hell makes an impression and when you are in a competitive high stakes business like that, you want to make sure your competitors get the message."
BMW found - persons taken into custody
Early Monday, September 6th, Clareview Road residents were the first to alert media to a heavy police presence involving the tactical and gang units.
"The SWAT team was here this morning. They rammed the door open. I heard that it was like a big smash," Kathy said. "It was a little nerve-wracking, yes."
"I just get up, wake, up, it was like 9:30 in the morning and I want to throw out my garbage bag," Duzelovic Munira said.
"I see already the cops here."
At about 11:00 a.m. police took two women and three men into custody.
Witnesses said two black men were taken away in handcuffs. Neighbours said one of the young men arrested lived in the townhouse while the other did not.
Police revealed little about what was behind the arrests.
"I know that there are two males that are being interviewed downtown right now," Det. Brent Dahlseide said.
A white BMW, possibly matching the one being sought, had been spotted several blocks from the northeast neighbourhood complex. It was seized by police.
Neighbours said the white BMW was frequently seen parked in front of unit 682 in a parking lot off Clareview Road.
"We're unsure if that is the one that's related to the investigation or not but investigations are ongoing with that," Det. Dahlseide said.
Also frequently seen were police cars at the location which seemed to have been a trouble spot in the past.
Residents had differing opinions about the Jamaican family of five - a single mother, one man, two teenaged daughters, and a six-month-old baby - who lived there – read more »
While some said they were good people, one man in his early 20s associated with the home was thought be involved in drugs.
"I just don't like him and he's a troublemaker," Munira said.
A neighbour who identified herself as "M.B." told the Edmonton Sun the boyfriend of one of the daughters was trouble and that the boyfriend was the one who drove the often-seen BMW.
She said the man was the father to the six-month old and involved with a 19-year-old daughter.
"A few days ago he drove the car to get food or something and came back without it," M.B. said.
However, other said the family were "down to earth" and "nothing but normal."
In spite of the fact she was moving out of the complex the next day, long-time resident Kathy said this was not a home one would expect to attract any police attention.
"They're a very warm, loving family ... friends – they've never done anything," she said. "They're awesome people."
"They have never had any police interaction. They're very good people. I've known them for years and years."
A search warrant was obtained and the home as well as neighbourhood dumpsters were the subject of an extensive search.
Suspect descriptions released
On Tuesday, September 7th, 2010, police issued descriptions of three men wanted in connection with the death of Jesse Lee James.
Detectives said the men were observed being at or near the scene when James was shot.
Suspect #1:
A black male, about 25 years old, about 6-feet 2-inches tall, physically fit with fine facial features, wearing longer black hair in a pony tail that was possibly braided.
Suspect #2:
A black male, 6-feet tall, 20 to 25 years old with a young-looking face, thin build and short black hair.
Suspect #3:
An East African male in his early 20s, with short black hair and thin build.
Police offered no details regarding the persons questioned after a BMW was seized in the Clareview neighbourhood, saying only no charges had been laid and that no one was in custody.
Multiple charges laid
On Monday, November 15th, Edmonton police announced that twelve charges had been laid against six persons in connection with James' case as well as in the early-September death of 19-year-old Emmanuel Amoah, whose body was found near Ellerslie Road and 17th Street SW.
Some of those arrested faced charges in both homicides.
An 18-year-old male (who was a young offender at the time of the offence) and 19-year-old Mahamed Abdulle were each charged with second-degree murder in connection with James' death.
The young offender and Abdulle were also each charged with second-degree murder and offering an indignity to a dead body in connection with Amoah's death.
In addition, 19-year-old Jason Kadeem Williams and 21-year-old Christopher Macoon-Evans were each charged with second-degree murder in connection with James' death.
The combined arrests marked a milestone in Edmonton's homicide history – in two murders that, at first, appeared dissimilar.
James was shot in broad daylight in front of many witnesses. Amoah's body was found in a ditch on the edge of town.
Sixty officers – drawn from the Homicide and Surveillance units, the Edmonton Drug and Gang Unit, the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team's Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, the Tactical Section, the Robbery Unit, and the Targeted Offenders Section – played key roles in solving the cases – read more »
Homicide arrests usually don't warrant press conferences involving the chief of police – but with a changing of the guard on the horizon, it was a photo and sound-bite opportunity likely too hard hard to pass up.
"The arrests were made on November 11th, 2010 without incident. This was an unprecedented investigation," said soon-to-be-retired Chief Mike Boyd.
"From an investigational perspective, this is an example of great teamwork."
Boyd credited witnesses for stepping forward.
"We will continue to encourage the public to call the police about any unsolved case."
Police said it was the first time they had charged two people with the same homicides at one time.
"In my career, this is one of the most complex cases that I have worked on," homicide section head Staff Sgt. Lorne Pubantz said.
"This investigation was unprecedented in EPS history for the size and scope of investigative efforts and for the charges that are laid.
"We've never charged two individuals for two separate murders at the same time."
Investigators didn't say if Amoah and James knew each other directly but they did acknowledge that their killings were drug-related.
Whether there was a gang component to the crimes was an issue police would not comment on, citing that the matter was now before the courts.
"They organised themselves do to criminalised activity," Pubantz said, referring to those arrested.
"The similarities are that these people have chosen to associate together and I'll leave it at that."
Pubantz also noted that if James and Amoah had been targeted, the charges laid would have been first-degree murder – which requires the element of pre-meditation.
When asked if the two deaths were linked to other recent murders, Pubantz held his cards tight.
"Well, the investigation is continuing – I'll leave it at that," he responded.
"We have no knowledge of any other specific victims at this time. There may be but we don't have any evidence of that."
Pubantz did state what was behind the huge investment of manpower in the two murders.
"The reason behind this was simple. One of the homicides, the Jesse James case on Saddleback Road, was a high-profile mid-day shooting and we had concerns other similar incidents may take place," he said.
"Solving this crime was a priority for us."
For the families of the victims, the arrests offered hope that a sense of closure would soon be possible.
"Nobody deserves to have that happen to them, no matter who they are or where they are in society," Pubantz said.
For homicide detectives, the laying of charges simply marked another step in the process of bringing the cases to trial.
"What was two months of fairly long days and long nights of investigating to bring this case to charges, probably now becomes two or three months of continued investigation to support the charges in court," Det. Brian Robertson said.
"Really, we're at the midpoint of the investigation, in that we now have a lot of things to do to support those charges."
All six charged made court appearances on Monday, November 15th. The four young offenders were set to make another court appearance on November 29th, with the adults set to return on December 13th.
All the information presented on this page has been compiled primarily from published media reports and should not be interpreted as having legal bearing or other prejudice against the individuals named on this web site.
The Last Link on the Left practices fair presentation and the disclosure of relevant interests.
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