A fatal shooting at a trades college and union property in northwest Edmonton, Alberta, has led to first-degree murder charges against three men. Police identified the victim as Justin Hunt, 28, after he was shot in the parking lot near Alberta Pipe Trades College on Friday morning, October 16, 2026.
The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) said officers responded to a reported shooting near 160 Street and 118 Avenue at approximately 8:27 a.m. Hunt was found suffering from life-threatening injuries. Despite the emergency response, he died at the scene.
The shooting prompted a lockdown at the college and nearby United Association Local 488 buildings while police secured the area and began investigating. The case later developed into a homicide investigation, with police announcing charges against three men the following day.
Investigators believe the killing was targeted, according to the official police release. The circumstances leading up to the shooting and the alleged roles of the accused remain matters for the investigation and court process.
What Happened at UA Local 488 in Edmonton?
The shooting took place in the parking lot associated with United Association Local 488, which shares property with Alberta Pipe Trades College in northwest Edmonton. The college provides training related to the plumbing and pipefitting trades.
Local 488 said the shooting occurred at approximately 8:20 a.m. on October 16. Edmonton police were called minutes later and found Hunt with life-threatening injuries.
Witnesses who spoke to local media described hearing several gunshots in the parking lot. Some students said they initially did not understand what they were hearing before realizing that a shooting was taking place.
The incident led to an immediate security response. The college and union buildings were placed under lockdown as officers worked to secure the scene and investigate what had happened.
The shooting caused concern among students, instructors, union members and staff who were at or near the property that morning. Local 488 said the safety and well-being of its members, students, employees and visitors were a priority and confirmed that it was cooperating with police.
Who Was the Victim, Justin Hunt?
Edmonton police identified the victim as Justin Hunt, aged 28, in their October 17 update.
At the time of the latest official release reviewed for this article, authorities had not provided extensive public biographical information about Hunt. His occupation, family circumstances and other personal details should therefore not be assumed or added without reliable confirmation.
His death is being investigated as a homicide. Police have asked people who may have witnessed the shooting or observed the suspected vehicle in the surrounding area to provide information that could assist investigators.
Further details about Hunt’s life, family and memorial arrangements should be included only if confirmed through reliable sources, such as a family announcement, funeral-home notice or additional official reporting.
Three Men Charged in Connection With the Fatal Shooting
On October 17, the Edmonton Police Service announced that three men had been charged in connection with Hunt’s death.
According to the police statement, the accused are Wol Akuei, 21; John Morris, 20; and John Ocwalla, 19.
Akuei and Morris each face a charge of first-degree murder. Ocwalla also faces a first-degree murder charge and an additional charge of accessory after the fact to murder.
Police said the men were taken into custody after the suspected vehicle was located west of Edmonton with assistance from the Parkland RCMP.
The charges represent allegations made through the criminal justice process. They do not establish guilt, and the accused are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until guilt is proven in court.
Investigators have not publicly disclosed every detail of the alleged events or the evidence supporting each charge. The case remains subject to further investigation and court proceedings.
Police Investigate Possible Connection to Parkland County
The investigation extended beyond Edmonton after the suspected vehicle was observed west of the city.
According to EPS, the vehicle was located on Highway 16 near Range Road 20 in Parkland County. The Parkland RCMP assisted Edmonton officers, and three men were taken into custody.
The police activity prompted temporary traffic restrictions on part of Highway 16. The roadway restrictions were connected to the police operation, while investigators worked to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The subsequent arrests formed a significant development in the case. EPS credited the assistance of the Parkland RCMP in helping officers locate the vehicle and take the occupants into custody.
Authorities also sought dashcam and security-camera footage from several roads that the suspected vehicle may have travelled along during the period surrounding the shooting.
What Police Are Asking Witnesses to Do
The Edmonton Police Service has appealed for information that could help investigators reconstruct the events of October 16.
Police are particularly interested in dashcam or CCTV footage showing the suspected dark grey BMW 325i sedan between approximately 8:15 a.m. and 8:45 a.m.
The areas identified by investigators include:
- 118 Avenue and 160 Street in Edmonton.
- Yellowhead Trail between 170 Street and Highway 60.
- Highway 60 from Yellowhead Trail to Garden Valley Road.
Police described the vehicle as having notable damage to its rear driver’s-side fender and driver’s-side taillight. Investigators also said its licence plate was attached by one screw and hanging at an angle.
Anyone with information can contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or dial #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
People who have relevant recordings should preserve the original files and provide them to investigators rather than editing or circulating material that could affect the investigation.
Latest Update on the UA Local 488 Shooting
As of October 20, 2026, the latest official update reviewed for this article confirms that Justin Hunt, 28, died at the scene after being shot near Alberta Pipe Trades College and UA Local 488 in northwest Edmonton.
Three men have been charged in connection with the death. Police have said they believe the shooting was targeted and continue to seek evidence that could help establish the circumstances of the case.
The investigation and court proceedings may produce further information about the alleged events. Until authorities release additional verified details, claims about a motive, the victim’s personal circumstances or the accused men’s alleged actions beyond the charges should be treated cautiously.
Key Facts
| Detail | Confirmed information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Justin Hunt |
| Age | 28 |
| Incident date | October 16, 2026 |
| Location | Parking lot near Alberta Pipe Trades College and UA Local 488, Edmonton, Alberta |
| Reported time | Approximately 8:20 to 8:27 a.m. |
| Cause of death | Fatal shooting |
| Accused | Wol Akuei, John Morris and John Ocwalla |
| Charges | First-degree murder charges; Ocwalla also charged with accessory after the fact to murder |
| Police assessment | Investigators believe the incident was targeted |
| Case status | Criminal investigation and court process ongoing |
Disclaimer: This article is based on information released by the Edmonton Police Service and reporting from established news outlets. Criminal charges are allegations, not convictions. The article will be updated if authorities release additional verified information.