The court case of Arthur Wayne Penner, who is charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder in a shooting in Rockyview County that killed one person and injured another, was moved to the Strathmore courthouse for his next appearance on Aug. 20.
The shooting took the life of Airdrie resident Colin Hough and injured another person. Hough, an Airdrie resident was a father of two sons.
During Penner's first court appearance in Airdrie, on Thursday, he did not have a lawyer and said his father takes care of hiring his lawyer due to his own mental health issues.
Penner was arrested and remanded into custody. Additionally, RCMP continue to search for the second suspect in the shooting. Elijah Blake Strawberry, 28-years-old, now has a warrant for his arrest for the second-degree-murder of Colin Hough. RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Strawberry.
Strawberry is described as light complexion, 6 feet 1 inch tall, 169 pounds, with several arm and face tattoos and brown hair. Strawberry is considered armed and dangerous. If seen, do not approach, dial 911 immediately.
Both suspects have recent criminal records. At the time of the shooting, Penner was on bail awaiting trial for previous recent charges while Strawberry was also facing previous charges.
Investigation Details
According to the police investigation, Penner and Strawberry were involved in a minor collision in Calgary prior to the shooting, where the stolen vehicle they were driving was partially disabled. They then drove into Rocky View County where they burnt the vehicle.
Hough and the other shooting victim saw the fire and pulled over to ask if they needed help. It was at this time both victims were shot.
Alberta RCMP stated that around noon on Aug. 6, officers from the Strathmore RCMP received a report of two men who had been shot while working along a roadway on Township Road 250 and Range Road 281 in Rocky View County. Upon arriving on scene, emergency crews discovered that Hough and a 39-year-old victim had both been shot as the two suspects stole one of the victim’s Rocky View County pick-up trucks.
Responding officers were able to locate the suspects in the Rocky View County pick up truck and engaged in a pursuit, however the suspects were successful in evading police.
Using the Rocky View County pick-up truck on-board GPS, police were able to locate the truck abandoned in a field in the area of Range Road 252 and Township Road 260. A Police-Initiated Public Alert was released advising residents in the area to shelter in place.
RCMP conducted a thorough search, after which the shelter in place alert was lifted.
On Aug. 8, RCMP determined that Penner was one of the suspects, who was later arrested in Edmonton.
On Aug. 11, police identified Strawberry as the second suspect in this incident. After receiving crown approval on Aug. 12, RCMP obtained a warrant for his arrest. RCMP asks that anyone who sees him or has information about his whereabouts call 911.
As the investigation continues, RCMP asks the public for help in identifying the occupants of a Black Volkswagen Jetta as they may have witnessed this incident. RCMP also believes that a quad stolen on Aug. 7 at 1:34 p.m. in Wheatland County may be connected to the investigation. The public is asked to check dash cam footage and surveillance cameras if they have seen the quad or its occupants.
If you have information about this incident or those responsible, please call the Strathmore RCMP at 403-934-3535. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
Community support
Support for Colin Hough’s family continues to pour in with over $87,000 raised through a GoFundMe page in his honour: Fundraiser in Memory of Colin Hough.
Rocky View County confirmed that Hough was one of their employees and is providing their support to Hough's family by matching donations made to the GoFundMe page.
"Colin was a beloved father, husband, son, colleague and friend who never hesitated to help anyone," states the GoFundMe page. "He leaves behind a beautiful family, including his wife and two small children who will need as much help as possible as they navigate this unimaginable and unexpected loss."
Friends and colleagues of Hough are invited to attend a Celebration of Life which will be held at the Westin Calgary Airport on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 2 p.m.
FortisAlberta confirmed that one of its employees was the other shooting victim. According to Fortis, their employee was treated for their injury and was released from the hospital the following evening.
