Two suspects are now facing charges in connection with a fatal highway shooting that claimed the life of a 22-year-old Alberta man in what RCMP are calling a "senseless crime."
Barinder Singh was driving with two close friends along the QEII Highway near Leduc on March 14 when he was shot in the neck during what appears to have been a random road rage incident, RCMP Staff Sgt. John Brown told reporters at a Wednesday afternoon news conference.
"Despite being shot, Barinder and his two friends were able to safely stop the vehicle. He died shortly after," Brown said.
Tragic Misunderstanding Led to Fatal Shooting
According to police, the incident unfolded around 2:50 p.m. when a witness observed a pickup truck pull alongside Singh's black 2012 Honda Civic as both vehicles travelled southbound on the highway.
Investigators say there was a brief interaction between occupants of the two vehicles, including what appeared to be a peace sign gesture directed at Singh's car. Singh and his friends interpreted it as a friendly gesture, with Singh returning what he believed was a peace sign.
Moments later, shots were fired from the suspect vehicle, striking Singh in the neck. The pickup truck then sped away at high speed.
A friend who was in the vehicle with Singh, speaking anonymously due to safety concerns, described the desperate attempts to save their friend's life.
"We tried to put pressure on his wounds and call 911. There was so much blood loss. I tried really hard but could not save him,"
the friend told media outlets.
Two Suspects in Custody
Jimmy Gassner, 18, of Lloydminster, was arrested March 21 in Canoe Lake, Saskatchewan, and charged with second-degree murder. Police allege Gassner was a passenger in the truck and fired the fatal shots. Gassner was already known to police for previous charges as a minor.
A second suspect, 23-year-old Deon Libsekil, was arrested March 26 while already in custody on unrelated matters. He has been charged with second-degree murder and accessory after the fact.
Libsekil was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in court April 2. Both suspects were previously known to law enforcement.
RCMP emphasized that the two groups had no prior connection, making the shooting appear to be a random act of violence on one of Alberta's busiest highways.
This story is based on reporting by Global News. Additional details available at globalnews.ca.