The sharp crack of gunfire rang twice through a quiet morning in southeast Edmonton Thursday, and within minutes, two men were dead.
Around 10:15 a.m., a robber burst through the door of Bella Tonic Spa, a family-run salon and laser-hair clinic.
A male thrust a loaded handgun at employees and demanded cash. A man working in the salon confronted the gunman.
“A shot was fired and the employee was killed,” said police spokesman Jeff Wuite.
Frantically, a woman called 9-1-1, telling the operator she thought her husband had been murdered.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene to attempt to save the man’s life. He was dead by the time crews arrived.
The shooter sprinted away, two blocks north to Millbourne Shopping Centre, where he attempted another robbery, this time at a liquor store.
Police arrived within minutes, blocking off the entrance to Millbourne Liquor.
When the defeated man realized he was surrounded, he turned the gun on himself.
Inira Saroya and her husband Joginder have known the family who owns Bella Tonic for many years, and said the shooting has shaken their faith in the neighbourhood.
“They are really nice people,” Joginder said. “This is really shocking.”
Police were unable to confirm the identity of either man Thursday.
