BANFF – A 20-year-old British Columbia man is charged with second degree murder after the death of a 27-year-old Foothills County man in Banff Saturday night (Sept. 3).
John Sproule of Lake Country, B.C. was charge by police, RCMP said Sunday morning (Sept. 4).
A second suspect was released from police custody without facing any charges after RCMP found he wasn’t directly involved, police said.
Banff RCMP responded to a 911 call of a man who had been stabbed in an altercation outside of Dancing Sasquatch and McDonald’s on Banff Avenue shortly after midnight on Saturday.
When police arrived, the injured man from Foothills County was taken to Mineral Springs Hospital where he was declared dead.
Two men were originally taken into custody – with one being released – and Alberta RCMP major crimes taking the investigation lead and Banff RCMP and RCMP forensic identification unit assisting.
On Banff Avenue, much of the pedestrian zone was taped off between Caribou and Buffalo streets and was off limits to people, but reopened to the public in the afternoon. However, several businesses remained closed for the remainder of the day along the busy street.
Dancing Sasquatch only recently reopened after Ethan Enns-Goneau was killed Aug. 5 at the nightclub on Banff Ave. Enns-Goneau, a local Banff resident who was born and raised in the community, was 26.
John Arrizza, 22, was charged with second degree murder and continues to be held in custody.
Dancing Sasquatch is owned by Banff Hospitality Collective, which owns several bars and restaurants in the tourist town.
Police added there is no immediate danger to the community.
“Our officers are committed to your safety and protecting our community,” said Staff Sgt. Mike Buxton-Carr, Banff detachment commander, in an email. “Banff RCMP actively patrol the downtown core, including the pedestrian zone, every night to provide a visible deterrent to crime and are available at all times to respond to calls from the public for assistance.”
In a statement, Banff Mayor Corrie DiManno said the Town of Banff will continue to work with the RCMP, industry leaders and the community to ensure that Banff is “as safe as possible for everyone.”
“Like many in the community, I am feeling angry, profoundly saddened, and overwhelmed by the fatal stabbing in our town last night,” said DiManno. “On behalf of council and of the community, I offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the young man who died.
“This brutal violence is shocking to our community and we are taking this issue very seriously. We continue to be a community in mourning and are healing from the tragic loss of a lifelong Banffite in August, so this incident will cause a resurgence of anxiety and trauma for some. It’s vital that folks who are struggling access the support services they need during this time.”
The fatal stabbing is the second in Banff this summer.
The previous murder in the town was in 1990 when an 18-year-old Ryan Jason Love stabbed 23-year-old cab driver Lucie Turmel for her earnings that night, which amounted to $130.
On Saturday, the Town of Banff was working with Bow Valley Victim Services Association to offer supports to specific staff and responders today.
In addition, Urgent Mental Health at Banff Mineral Springs Hospital is available from 2-9 p.m., or call 2-1-1 for access to mental health services and counsellors.
“This incident may have caused people in our community to have distressing memories and emotions. If anyone is struggling and needs mental health supports, please seek assistance,” according to the Town's post.
The Outlook will update the story as more information becomes available.
Police said no additional details will be released since the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information can contact Banff RCMP at 403-763-6600.
If they wish to remain anonymous, they can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com.
