Two Men Guilty of Murder in Calgary Roadside Shooting, June 01

A jury found Arthur Penner and Elijah Strawberry guilty of second-degree murder on Saturday for killing Colin Hough, 45, on a rural road east of Calgary on August 6, 2024. Jurors deliberated for 14 hours before reaching their verdict. Hough, a Rocky View County employee, appeared to have stopped to help when the two men opened fire on his vehicle. Both men also face armed robbery convictions.

What Happened on the Rural Road

Matthew Andres, a FortisAlberta surveyor, was approached by two men near a vehicle with a flat tire on August 6, 2024. One man shot Andres through the arm and demanded his vehicle keys at gunpoint. Andres escaped and watched from a distance as the truck was set on fire. Colin Hough then arrived and appeared to investigate or offer help. Penner and Strawberry ran toward Hough’s vehicle and fired multiple shots, hitting him three times. Hough’s vehicle was stolen.

Jury Verdict and Armed Robbery Charges

After 14 hours of deliberation, the jury found both men guilty of second-degree murder in Hough’s death. Both men were also convicted of two counts of armed robbery, including stealing Hough’s vehicle and attempting to take Andres’s truck. Neither Penner nor Strawberry showed surprise when the verdicts were read. They stood with their hands clasped in front of them as the court announced the guilty findings.

Sentencing and Parole Eligibility

Both men face a mandatory life sentence with no parole eligibility for at least 25 years. The jury was asked to recommend how long each man should serve before becoming eligible for parole. Recommendations ranged from the minimum of 10 years to the maximum of 25 years. A sentencing date will be set on October 16. Strawberry’s lawyer has requested a forensic mental assessment before sentencing.

Why the Case Mattered to the Community

Hough’s death shocked Alberta because he appeared to be a Good Samaritan who stopped to help at the scene. His wife, Laurie Hough, embraced prosecutor Photini Popadatou after the verdict, saying “I love you.” The case highlighted the dangers faced by people who stop to assist others on rural roads. For Hough’s family and the broader community, the guilty verdict represented accountability for a man who died while trying to help.

Final Thoughts

The guilty verdict brings closure to a case that shocked Alberta and reminded the public of the risks faced by Good Samaritans. Both men now face mandatory life sentences with parole eligibility between 10 and 25 years, pending the October 16 sentencing hearing.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.