Police warn against posting names of those accused in teen's death
People urged to delete posts online identifying witnesses, details of attack
City police are warning Edmontonians of the consequences of publishing the names of the seven teenagers accused in the death of Karanveer Sahota.
In a statement Thursday, the Edmonton Police Service said it understands the homicide of the 16-year-old boy continues to weigh heavily on students, families, and the community at large.
However, the police service has received reports of members of the public publishing online the names of the accused and witnesses that they believe to be involved in the homicide.
“While we recognize that this continues to be a difficult time, the EPS must point out that publishing the identity of any accused and witnesses in such matters is a criminal offence under the Youth Criminal Justice Act,” the statement reads.
“We ask that anyone who has published identifying material of this nature to delete/remove it immediately. The EPS will be investigating allegations of unlawful publication.”
Sahota was assaulted outside Mcnally High School on April 8. He died in hospital on April 15 of a stab wound to the chest. Seven teens, six boys and one girl between the ages of 14 and 17, have been charged with second-degree murder.
Their names cannot be published under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. A provincial court judge lifted the publication ban of Sahota's name.
Edmonton police are also warning the public about misinformation circulating online about the homicide and those involved.
“Citizens should take this into consideration when consuming information online from unofficial sources,” the statement reads.
“As a police service, our priority is to uphold the law and ensure the safety and well-being of all Edmontonians.”