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Michael Roach, 49, was stabbed to death on April 3rd, 2011.

Roach was Edmonton's 16th homicide victim of the year.

Michael Anderson, 50, was charged with second-degree murder, possession of a weapon, and possession of a narcotic.

At around 9 p.m. on April 3rd, 2011, police were called to the George Spady Centre at 10015 105A Avenue to take care of an altercation taking place in an adjacent alley.

One man had been stabbed in the abdomen three times and was rushed to the Royal Alexandra Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Police questioned a number of men outside the nearby Herb Jamieson Shelter just north of the downtown core and later arrested one man.

The next morning, 49-year-old Michael Roach succumbed to his injuries. The medical examiner later confirmed he had died as the result of a stab wound.

Police charged Michael Anderson, 50, with second-degree murder, possession of a weapon, and possession of a narcotic.

Investigators said both men were from Edmonton but it had yet to be determined if the two knew each other or if their dispute was alcohol or drug-related.

A Hope Mission spokesman said Roach had stayed at the shelter in the past but was unable to say if he was a regular.

Staff were also familiar with Anderson but didn't know more than that about either man.

Those who did know Roach said he was a good person who got hooked on drugs.

"He was a father, and he went to church. He just fell down the wrong road with drugs and that," a family friend said.

Roach, who had once been married and raised six children (including some from his wife's previous marriage), left behind family in Saskatchewan and Ontario.

A serious job site accident had forced him onto assistance and he later became homeless.

Roach's death was yet another on the Avenue of Nations.

The stretch along 107th Avenue between 93rd and 116th Streets has now seen 24 homicides over the past two decades – see Problems persist on the Avenue of Nations.

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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deadmonton 2011 - michael roach