Two men charged with first and second degree murder are set to make their first appearance in Calgary Court at the end of May.
36-year-old Arthur Wayne Penner is charged with first degree murder of Airdrie resident and Rocky View County (RVC) employee Colin Hough as well as attempted murder of a second victim. The Crown announced plans to downgrade Penner's charge to second degree and wave the attempted murder charge, but the initial charges still stand - likely until court resumes.
28-year-old Elijah Blake Strawberry is additionally charged with second degree murder.
The shooting took place on Aug. 6, 2024 at Township Road 250 and Range Road 281 in Rocky View County.
Penner and Strawberry were involved in a minor collision in Calgary prior to the shooting, where the stolen vehicle they had been driving was partially disabled. They then drove into Rocky View County where they burnt the vehicle.
Hough and a second shooting victim saw the fire and pulled over to ask if they needed help. It was at this time both victims were shot, with the second sustaining serious injuries.
The two suspects proceeded to steal one of the victim’s RVC pick-up trucks and evade police.
Penner was subsequently arrested in Edmonton two days later, while Strawberry was apprehended on Aug. 11 at a residence on O’Chiese First Nation.
Both suspects last appeared in Court of Justice on Oct. 24. Penner appeared to be without a lawyer during several instances and his delay in finding representation through Legal Aid delayed the setting of a preliminary inquiry.
Strawberry, meanwhile, was granted a one-day bail hearing on Dec. 19 in the hopes of spending the holidays at home.
Strawberry and Penner will make their first appearance in a preliminary hearing at the Calgary Court of Justice on May 29, 2025.
RVC supported Hough's family, who was the father of two young sons, by matching donations made through a GoFundMe page created in his honour.
