Mounties confirmed that 19-year-old Josh Burns was found dead shortly after midnight on Monday at a local business. Photo from Facebook
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A Sandre man has been charged with murder in connection with a death inside the city’s McDonald’s restaurant early Monday.
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Mounties confirmed that 19-year-old Josh Burns was found dead shortly after midnight Monday at a McDonald’s in Sudre, a town of about 2,500 people located 115 kilometers north of Calgary. Officers found Solaimane Elbettah, 27, a short distance from the restaurant and arrested him. He has since been charged with first degree murder. Both men had jobs at the restaurant and were working together at the time of the incident, according to RCMP. Investigators say the attack is believed to have been premeditated. “There is no danger to the public,” said Cpl. Gina Slaney, RCMP Southern Alberta District Media Relations Officer. The RCMP will not release the nature of the death or what type of weapon, if any, was used as the matter is now before the courts.
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Sudre Mayor Richard Warnock called Burns’ death a “terrible tragedy” that could happen to any community, even one as small and close-knit as Sudre. “A young man is no longer with us and our condolences certainly go out to the family and friends of this fellow,” he said. “The police have advised that there is no danger to the public but, by the same token, it is a terrible tragedy. We will all come together and support each other.” McDonald’s Canada offered a statement on behalf of Chirp Foods Inc., the Alberta-based franchisee organization that owns the restaurant. “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic situation that occurred at our Sundre restaurant,” the statement said. “We are cooperating fully with the RCMP in their investigation. In addition, support services will be provided to all employees in this restaurant. As this is an active investigation, we will not be commenting further at this time.” Elbettah remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court in Canmore on Wednesday morning. Alberta’s Department of Occupational Safety and Health is also investigating the incident. [email protected] Twitter: @michaelrdrguez
