Suspect in shooting death of John Smith in police custody
The man wanted in the accused homicide of Calgary's John Smith is now in police custody.
Calgary police issued a release at 5 p.m. Thursday, announcing that Jesse Michael Martinez, 23, surrendered to police about 3 p.m. Thursday afternoon.
He will remain in police custody until he can appear before a judge.
"We cannot thank the community enough for their help and support during this investigation," said Staff Sgt. Martin Schiavetta. "From the businesses that provided access to their CCTV to the numerous people who called in to help us identify a suspect, people stepped up in a big way to help our investigators move this case forward quickly."
"We know we are fortunate to have this level of support from our community when it is needed and we are grateful" added Schiavetta. "While charges being laid will not bring John back, we hope it is the first step in getting him and his family justice."
Police were called to the Junction Underground in the 600 block of Eighth Avenue S.W. just after 2:30 a.m. on Oct. 10 for reports of a shooting.
They found Smith seriously injured and he was rushed to hospital, where he later died.
John Smith was a popular basketball coach, player and mentor. (Courtesy Smith family)
Police said Smith had left the club with a female friend minutes earlier and was shot after intervening when two men began sexually harassing her.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his head more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
Blind Sask. boy heading to international braille competition hopes to increase accessibility for visually impaired
A Saskatchewan boy who qualified for an international braille competition in Los Angeles next month hopes he can inspire change in his home province.
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Steve Albini, legendary producer for Nirvana, the Pixies and an alternative rock pioneer, dies at 61
Steve Albini, an alternative rock pioneer and legendary producer who shaped the musical landscape through his work with Nirvana, the Pixies, PJ Harvey and more, has died. He was 61.