The death of Justin Hunt, 28, following a shooting in west Edmonton has prompted a homicide investigation and criminal charges against three men.
According to the Edmonton Police Service, officers responded to reports of a shooting near 160 Street and 118 Avenue at approximately 8:27 a.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026. They found Hunt suffering from life-threatening injuries, but he died at the scene despite the emergency response.
Police announced the charges on Saturday, October 17, identifying three men who had been taken into custody after the shooting. Investigators believe the incident was targeted, although the motive and circumstances leading up to the gunfire have not been fully disclosed.
The case remains under investigation, and the charges against the accused have not been tested in court.
What Happened to Justin Hunt in West Edmonton?
The shooting took place in the area of 160 Street and 118 Avenue in west Edmonton on the morning of October 16.
Police said officers from the West Branch responded at about 8:27 a.m. and found Hunt with life-threatening injuries. Emergency medical services attended, but he died at the scene.
Local reporting connected the shooting to the parking lot of the Alberta Pipe Trades College, near the intersection where police were called. The incident led to a significant police response as investigators secured the area and began examining the circumstances surrounding the death.
Authorities have not publicly detailed what led to the shooting. They have said they believe it was targeted, but a motive has not been confirmed in the information released so far.
Three Men Charged With First-Degree Murder
The Edmonton Police Service announced that three men had been charged in connection with Hunt’s death.
The accused are:
- Wol Akuei, 21, charged with first-degree murder.
- John Morris, 20, charged with first-degree murder.
- John Ocwalla, 19, charged with first-degree murder and accessory after the fact to murder.
Police said all three were taken into custody after the suspect vehicle was located west of Edmonton. They have been remanded in custody.
The charges represent allegations that must be addressed through the judicial process. The accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Investigators have not publicly disclosed all the evidence supporting the charges, and the case remains active.
How Police Located the Suspects
According to police, the vehicle believed to be connected to the shooting was seen west of Edmonton shortly after the incident.
With assistance from Parkland RCMP, officers stopped the vehicle on Highway 16 near Range Road 20. Three adult men were taken into custody.
Investigators identified the vehicle as a dark grey BMW 325i sedan. Police noted damage to the rear driver’s-side fender and driver’s-side taillight. They also reported that the licence plate was attached by one screw and hanging at an angle.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have seen the vehicle during the relevant period to provide information or video footage.
Key Facts About the Justin Hunt Shooting
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Justin Hunt |
| Age | 28 |
| Location | Near 160 Street and 118 Avenue, west Edmonton, Alberta |
| Date of shooting | October 16, 2026 |
| Approximate time | 8:27 a.m. |
| Outcome | Hunt died at the scene |
| Investigating agency | Edmonton Police Service Homicide Section |
| Police assessment | Believed to be a targeted incident |
| Accused | Wol Akuei, John Morris and John Ocwalla |
| Main charges | First-degree murder |
| Additional charge | John Ocwalla also charged with accessory after the fact to murder |
| Arrest location | Highway 16 near Range Road 20, west of Edmonton |
| Suspect vehicle | Dark grey BMW 325i sedan |
| Autopsy | Scheduled for October 19, 2026 |
| Investigation status | Ongoing |
The table reflects details released by police and reported by local media. Further information may emerge as the investigation and court proceedings progress.
Police Seek Dashcam and CCTV Footage
The Edmonton Police Service is asking members of the public to review any dashcam or security camera recordings that may show the suspect vehicle between 8:15 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. on October 16.
Investigators identified three areas of particular interest:
- 118 Avenue and 160 Street.
- Yellowhead Trail between 170 Street and Highway 60.
- Highway 60 from Yellowhead Trail to Garden Valley Road.
The requested footage may help investigators reconstruct the vehicle’s movements before and after the shooting.
Anyone with relevant information can contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or dial #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Police have also acknowledged assistance from Parkland RCMP in locating and stopping the vehicle.
What Is Known About Justin Hunt’s Personal Life?
Publicly available reporting reviewed for this article focuses primarily on the shooting, the police investigation and the charges announced against the three accused.
Reliable details about Hunt’s family, occupation, personal interests and wider community involvement were not established in the sources reviewed. His date of birth and funeral arrangements also could not be independently confirmed.
These details should not be guessed or attributed to family members without a verified statement or obituary.
If relatives or a funeral home publish a memorial notice, it may provide additional information about Hunt’s life and any arrangements for family and friends to pay their respects.
Justin Hunt Obituary and Memorial Information
The news of Hunt’s death has been reported in connection with the fatal shooting in west Edmonton. However, a verified funeral-home obituary or formal announcement of memorial arrangements was not located in the sources reviewed for this article.
For that reason, the date, time and location of any funeral or memorial service cannot be confirmed here.
Readers seeking service details should check for an official family announcement or a notice from a recognized funeral provider. Any additional tribute should rely on verified information and respect the privacy of those closest to Hunt.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The Edmonton Police Service Homicide Section continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Hunt’s death.
The announcement of charges is a significant development, but it does not mean the criminal case has been resolved. Investigators may continue collecting video evidence, witness accounts and other information as the matter proceeds through court.
Police have not publicly established a motive in the information reviewed for this article. Their assessment that the shooting was targeted should not be interpreted as confirmation of the reasons behind it.
The next stages of the case will depend on the evidence presented and the decisions made through the judicial process.
Latest Update on the West Edmonton Shooting
As of October 18, 2026, the latest confirmed information is that Justin Hunt, 28, died after being shot near 160 Street and 118 Avenue on October 16. Three men have been charged with first-degree murder, and one also faces an accessory-after-the-fact charge.
Police are continuing to seek dashcam and CCTV footage of the dark grey BMW 325i sedan believed to be connected to the incident.
Authorities have described the shooting as targeted, but the motive and full circumstances remain under investigation. The accused have not been convicted, and the charges remain subject to the court process.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information released by the Edmonton Police Service and local media reports available at the time of writing. The accused individuals face criminal charges, and those allegations have not been proven in court. Details about the motive, the victim’s personal life and memorial arrangements were not independently confirmed in the sources reviewed. The report may require updates as police release further information and legal proceedings continue.