Jurors in Calgary have begun deliberations in the trial of two men charged with second-degree murder in the death of Rocky View County employee Colin Hough. The 12-member jury at the Court of King's Bench received final instructions from Justice Shane Parker on Friday afternoon before retiring to consider their verdict.
Background of the Case
Elijah Blake Strawberry and Arthur Wayne Penner are accused of killing Hough on August 6, 2024, near Conrich, east of Calgary. Hough, a husband and father of two, was fatally shot after stopping to investigate a burning vehicle at the intersection of Range Road 282 and Township Road 250.
The Crown alleges that the two men shot Hough three times, with one bullet piercing his heart, leading to his death at the scene. In addition to the murder charge, both face two counts of armed robbery for stealing Hough's work truck and attempting to steal a FortisAlberta worker's vehicle after shooting him in the arm.
Evidence and Arguments
During the trial, Crown prosecutor Photini Papadatou presented circumstantial evidence, including DNA from both accused found at the scene and nearby. She argued that this evidence proved the men approached Hough's truck and shot him. Matthew Andres, the FortisAlberta worker who was shot in the arm, testified that he saw two figures rush toward Hough's truck and heard gunshots.
Defense lawyers Rebecca Snukal, representing Strawberry, and Alexandra Seaman, representing Penner, argued that the presence of DNA could be explained innocently and that the Crown failed to prove their clients were present during the killing. They sought and were granted a dismissal of the attempted murder charge against Andres, as Justice Parker found insufficient evidence that Penner knew Andres would be shot or that Strawberry intended to kill him.
Next Steps
The jury will continue deliberations to determine the guilt or innocence of both accused on the remaining charges. The trial has drawn significant attention due to the tragic death of Hough, a beloved community member.
