Stabbing victim succumbs to injuries, becomes city’s second homicide of 2018

A 28-year-old man who died in hospital Wednesday after a stabbing two days earlier is the city’s second homicide victim of the year, say police.

The victim, identified by investigators as Jarvis Katz, was taken to hospital after police were called to a home near 118 Avenue and 80 Street around 8:30 p.m. Monday.

An autopsy determined the cause of death was a stab wound, said police in a Friday news release.

Homicide detectives were asking anyone who may have information about the case to contact police.

Katz was to appear in court Feb. 1 on three charges of failing to comply with a probation order.

Homicide detectives were also seeking tips on Edmonton’s first homicide case of the year.

Ruben (Ben) Baker, 21 was found slain near 92 Avenue and 77 Street in Holyrood about 1:20 p.m. Jan 1.

Baker was scheduled to appear in Edmonton court April 24 for possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of a controlled substance, two counts of breach of recognizance and failure to comply with a probation order.

He was also scheduled to appear in provincial traffic court April 17 for driving with no insurance and for a failure to appear. His last arrest warrant was issued Dec. 21, and was still outstanding at the time of his death.