In Calgary, two men have been convicted for the roadside killing of a Good Samaritan. Elijah Strawberry and Arthur Penner were found guilty of second-degree murder and armed robbery. This verdict came after a jury deliberated for 24 hours following a lengthy trial.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred on August 6, 2024, when Colin Hough, 45, was fatally shot during a carjacking attempt. Another victim, Matthew Andres, was also shot but survived. During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence that Strawberry and Penner were driving a stolen truck that had suffered a flat tire on a rural road east of Calgary.
Witness Testimony
- Andres was working as a surveyor for Fortis Alberta at the time of the shooting.
- He testified that a masked individual approached him, shot him in the arm, and demanded his keys.
- Andres believed he was going to die and offered his truck keys to the assailant, who eventually fled in the vehicle.
After Andres was shot, he witnessed Hough pull over to assist. However, shortly after, Hough was attacked, receiving multiple gunshots from the assailants, leading to his death. An eyewitness account captured by nearby surveillance showed Hough collapsing in the street.
Arrests and Evidence
Strawberry and Penner fled the scene in Hough’s truck, which was later abandoned and recovered by police. Penner was arrested five days later, while Strawberry was apprehended a month after warrants for their arrest were issued. He was found hiding on the O’Chiese First Nation.
Forensic evidence played a significant role in the trial. DNA linked both defendants to items recovered from the crime scene and Hough’s stolen vehicle.
Legal Proceedings
During the trial, both men initially faced attempted murder charges, but these were dropped midway through the proceedings. Prosecutor Photini Papadatou emphasized the evidence against both men, stating, “It’s the Crown’s position that the offences involve two shooters.” In contrast, the defense attorneys argued that the evidence was circumstantial and insufficient to convict.
- Penner’s lawyer, Alex Seaman, noted the lack of direct evidence linking his client to the crime.
- Strawberry’s attorney, Rebecca Snukal, criticized the investigation, claiming missing evidence and witness credibility issues.
The court’s decision highlights the complexities surrounding cases with circumstantial evidence and differing accounts of events. The sentencing for Strawberry and Penner is pending.
