Friends of a man who was killed following a confrontation along 118th Avenue Sunday morning say he was stabbed on the steps of a liquor store after refusing to give two men a cigarette.
Loved ones identify the city's latest murder victim as Andrew Frang. His girlfriend, who requested not to be identified, said the two were walking along 118th Avenue near the intersection of 124th Street when two men confronted them asking for a cigarette.
One of the suspects pulled out a knife and stabbed Frang.
"I was so scared and I didn't know what to do," said Frang's girlfriend who ran inside a nearby bar to get help.
"Everybody is still very shocked that this has happened....of all people this shouldn't have happened to him," she said.
Friends of the victim describe him as generous and hard-working and are furious about the senseless death.
"Over what, over a cigarette...28 deaths in Edmonton this year, are you kidding me? We need to change society now, we need to change everything about this," said friend Tim Simmons.
Police do not have any suspects in Frang's death, the second murder victim of the weekend.
Quentin Edward Lhirondelle, 22, was killed after being stabbed at a party at an downtown apartment building Saturday morning.
At least three other people were also injured in the attack and taken to hospital.
Police have charged two men in connection to the incident, laying second degree murder charges against Justin Sutherland, 21, and aggravated assault charges against Jimmy Billy Crow Shoe, 22.
The violence has left many people who live in the area feeling terrified, but one person who recently formed a community group to patrol 118 Avenue, says residents have the power to change their neighbourhood.
"It's just peacefully taking over the space, being out here, being visible, watching what's going on, reporting it if we see something happening, it's just filling the space," said Chris Hayduk from the Community Response to Urban Disorder (CRUD).
"All of us need to be vigilant, if you see something call the cops and reports it we can also be involved in being the eyes and ears for our (police force)," said city councilor Kim Krushell.
Friends of Frang, however, are left wondering whether his death could have been prevented.
"I don't even think these kids of the person who did this to him, I don't even think he knows or even cares," said Frang's girlfriend.
Frang's father says the family has been devastated by the death and can't believe he is gone.
Police believe the attack was completely random. Investigators are going over surveillance video from nearby businesses.
One of the suspects is described as:
- A native male
- 16 to 20-year-old
- 5'7" tall
- Thin build
The second suspect is believed to be a little bit taller and older.
Anyone who has information about the suspects or the attack is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
With files from Scott Roberts
