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Walter Smith, 37, was beaten to death on November 14th, 2010.

Smith was Edmonton's twenty-third homicide victim of the year.

Vern Leonard Smith, 35, was charged with second-degree murder.

At about 4:00 a.m. November 14th, a man was brought to the Grey Nuns Hospital suffering severe head injuries. He was quickly transferred to the University of Alberta Hospital for more intensive treatment.

Because the man's injuries were so severe, police were contacted.

Homicide detectives and forensics staff were brought in.

At the time, police told neighbours they were investigating an aggravated assault.

Several persons inside the house at 1436 63 Street where the assault took place had already been interviewed but no arrests were made.

"Investigators do have some individuals that they're looking at. The victim may be known to his attackers in the assault. The assault is not thought to be random," a police spokesman said.

"We can't comment on the injuries per se, other than to say they're traumatic injuries and they're extensive. If the man were to pass away, it would be deemed a homicide."

Later in the day, 37-year-old Walter Smith died from cranial trauma.

On November 16th, police charged 35-year-old Vern Leonard Smith – Walter's brother – with second-degree murder.

Police didn't report what led to the assault or if weapons were involved.

"There was obviously an incident that sparked this assault," a police spokesman said. "It’s very unfortunate what happened, that the man passed away."

With investigators not revealing much, media tried their own hand going door-to-door – read more »

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deadmonton 2010 - walter smith