*This story was updated at 4:40 p.m. on April 2 to include quotes from Staff Sgt. Jason Zazulak
GLENDON - A 31-year old man from Glendon has been identified as the man charged with two counts of second degree murder in relation to the deaths of Jacob Sansom of Nobleford, and Maurice Cardinal of Bonnyville. Bonnyville RCMP responded to a call in the early morning hours of March 28, where the two men were found dead on the road in the Glendon area.
“The RCMP Major Crimes Unit can now advise that Anthony Bilodeau, 31, of Glendon was charged with second degree murder,” according to an RCMP media release sent out on April 2.
Staff Sgt. Jason Zazulak with the Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit, said he felt it was “important to note that there’s nothing to suggest (the incident was) racially motivated.”
“It is alleged that at approximately 9:30 p.m., on March 27 . . . two vehicles came to a stop on a rural road near Glendon. A verbal then physical confrontation ensued with the occupants of the two vehicles. A third vehicle arrived on the scene and several shots were fired by the accused, which resulted in the death of the victims,” reads the media release.
Zazulak confirmed that during the early part of the investigation, RCMP did speak to Bilodeau as they conducted “area interviews.” Bilodeau later turned himself into police. Zazulak clarified that Bilodeau was in the third vehicle and no other charges were expected, although the investigation was ongoing.
Bilodeau was remanded into custody following a judicial hearing and is set to appear in St. Paul Provincial Court via CCTV on April 9. Zazulak noted that Bilodeau was not denied bail, but has yet to speak to charges in provincial court, and therefore remains in custody.
The RCMP would like to thank the public who provided tips in regards to this investigation.
Zazulak noted that a number of tips came in from the public, and he thanked the public for their help in the situation, which resulted in charges rather quickly.
Background:
At about 4 a.m. on March 28, Bonnyville RCMP responded to a call from someone who reported two deceased males on the road outside of a parked truck.
Autopsies were completed at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner on March 31 and the deaths were deemed as homicide, according to RCMP.
The family of Sansom and Cardinal have asked for privacy as they grieve the loss of their loved ones.
"The investigation is still ongoing,” said Zazulak but RCMP do not believe there is any further risk to the public.
