Edmonton police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a 16-year-old girl who was found critically injured after an apparent shooting at a townhouse complex in the city’s northeast early Sunday morning. The incident has shocked the local community and prompted renewed calls for anyone with information to assist investigators.
According to the Edmonton Police Service (EPS), officers responded to reports of a shooting at a residence near 139 Avenue and 32 Street shortly before 7 a.m. When officers arrived, they found the teenage girl suffering from life-threatening injuries. Police immediately administered emergency first aid before paramedics arrived, but Emergency Medical Services (EMS) pronounced her dead at the scene.
The victim has been identified by family members as Jazmin Dhesi, 16. Relatives said she was visiting a friend at the townhouse complex and did not live at the residence where the incident occurred. Family members described her as a compassionate, cheerful teenager who shared a close bond with her family and friends. An online fundraising campaign has also been launched to help the family cover funeral expenses and other immediate costs.
Homicide detectives continued processing the scene on Monday, gathering forensic evidence and conducting interviews with potential witnesses. Investigators have not disclosed how many people were inside the home at the time of the incident and have not announced any arrests or identified any suspects. Police have also not released information regarding a possible motive, saying the investigation remains in its early stages.
Residents of the townhouse complex said the incident has left the neighbourhood deeply unsettled. Some neighbours reported hearing emergency vehicles early Sunday morning, while others said they had noticed frequent late-night gatherings and people regularly coming and going from the residence in recent weeks. Police have not confirmed whether those observations are connected to the ongoing investigation.
Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from the surrounding area and are asking anyone who was in the neighbourhood around the time of the incident to check dashcam or home security camera recordings that could assist the investigation. Authorities believe even seemingly minor details may help establish the sequence of events leading up to the teenager’s death.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Edmonton Police Service or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is also assisting in determining the exact cause and manner of death.
The investigation remains active, and Edmonton police say further information will be released as additional evidence becomes available.