Edmonton liquor store owner killed in Cromdale; suspect charged with second-degree murder
Edmonton liquor store owner killed in Cromdale on Aug. 5, 2026; a 22-year-old faces second-degree murder charges as nearby businesses voice safety concerns.
A community in central Edmonton is reeling after the death of a 48-year-old liquor store owner who was seriously injured at his business and later died in hospital on Aug. 5, 2026. The Edmonton liquor store owner killed has been identified as Sukhjit “Sunny” Randhawa, the proprietor of Connect Liquor in the Cromdale neighbourhood, police confirmed. Neighbouring businesses and workers say the violence has heightened fears about street-level crime and prompted calls for more supports.
Shooting at Connect Liquor left owner critically injured
Just before 1 p.m. on Aug. 5, downtown patrol officers responded to reports of an injured man in the area of 112 Avenue and 82 Street. Officers located Randhawa suffering serious injuries and he was treated by emergency crews before being taken to hospital, where he later died.
Investigators have not released the medical cause of death, citing the needs of the ongoing inquiry. Police described the incident as a violent confrontation that occurred inside or near the liquor store during what neighbours said began as an attempted theft.
Suspect arrested and charged with second-degree murder
Edmonton Police Service arrested a 22-year-old, identified as Nicholas Butler‑Chowace, and charged him with second-degree murder in connection with the incident. The charge was laid following an investigation on scene and subsequent inquiries by homicide detectives.
Authorities said the arrest was made after reviewing witness accounts and physical evidence, and they have urged anyone with additional information to come forward. Police continue to withhold some investigative details to protect the integrity of the case.
Business community expresses shock and fear
Owners and employees on the block described the slaying as a deep shock that has left staff shaken and questioning their safety. Varinder Bhullar, a local business operator who knew Randhawa through business networks, called him a kind and helpful member of the neighbourhood and said the loss was devastating.
Several staff members spoke of an “uncomfortable feeling” that such violence could happen to anyone running a small storefront. Workers said the incident has intensified worries that routine tasks — like taking out garbage or closing up — now carry new risks.
Staff recount repeated thefts and confrontations
Employees at nearby businesses described a pattern of thefts and petty crime in recent months, and said incidents had become more frequent. Reception staff at a local massage clinic and pharmacy workers reported items stolen from premises and encounters with shoplifters, leaving staff to manage tense situations until police arrive.
Many said they try to defuse confrontations or call police when threats escalate, but that resources and on-the-ground support often feel inadequate. The sentiment among several workers was that the area needs stronger measures to prevent repeat offences and protect small-business employees.
Neighbouring businesses reevaluate hours and security measures
The owner of a Little Caesars franchise next door to Connect Liquor, who asked to remain unnamed, said the loss felt personal and that the company is now weighing operational changes. That proprietor said staff are frightened and that the store may reduce its hours from midnight to earlier closing times to limit late-night exposure.
Other operators said they are considering measures such as increased lighting, strengthened locks, security cameras and staff training in de-escalation. Several business owners noted, however, that enhanced security comes at a cost that small independent shops are often hard-pressed to afford.
Calls grow for mental-health supports and community action
Across the block, business owners and workers urged municipal and provincial leaders to invest more in mental-health services, outreach and crime-prevention programs. They argued that addressing root causes — including addiction and untreated mental illness — would be more effective than purely punitive responses.
Some suggested coordinated patrols, rapid-response teams and partnerships between police and social-service agencies as potential steps. There was also a call for a neighbourhood safety plan developed with input from residents, business owners and service providers to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents.
Community members say they want action that balances enforcement with support for vulnerable people, and they emphasized the need for timely investment. Several local operators stressed that without concrete measures, small businesses will continue to feel the strain of operating under constant threat.
As the investigation continues, police have appealed for witnesses and anyone with surveillance footage from the area on Aug. 5 to contact investigators. Neighbours and business owners are planning vigils and community conversations in the coming days to mourn the loss and press for changes to improve safety on the commercial corridor.
