Police have arrested a 42-year-old man on charges of first-degree murder following the tragic shooting death of a woman in downtown Edmonton. The victim, identified as Priscilla McGreer, a respected local writer and college educator, was discovered inside a vehicle on Saturday morning with fatal gunshot injuries. Law enforcement officers responded to reports of gunfire near 119th Street and Jasper Avenue just before 4:30 a.m., leading to the closure of streets along Jasper Avenue for several hours as part of the investigation.
The suspect, Kyle Laumen of Edmonton, faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated assault, and breach of probation in connection with McGreer’s untimely demise. Denis Lapierre, the executive director of the Learning Centre Literacy Association where McGreer worked as an instructor teaching adult literacy, spoke highly of her character, describing her as a compassionate individual dedicated to inspiring her students with a love for learning. Lapierre reminisced about knowing McGreer for most of her life, from her early school days in St. Albert to her successful tenure as an instructor at the learning center for the past three years.
McGreer’s passion for writing, reading, and ongoing pursuit of a Ph.D. in technology and adult education were highlighted by Lapierre, who emphasized her significant impact on the intellectual growth of students. Her sudden absence has deeply affected the staff and students, prompting plans for a vigil and memorial meal in her honor. NorQuest College officials also expressed their condolences, recognizing McGreer as a cherished member of their teaching faculty.
A subsequent autopsy confirmed McGreer’s cause of death as homicide due to gunshot wounds, with authorities disclosing that she and the accused, Laumen, were acquainted. Notably, the police clarified that the case is not being treated as femicide or domestic violence-related.
The suspect, Laumen, has a history of criminal offenses, including past convictions for violent crimes. His prior legal troubles, such as a warrant issued for his arrest in connection with a stabbing death in 2018, shed light on his troubled past. Despite previous charges in a homicide case being dropped, Laumen’s criminal record reveals a pattern of assault-related offenses and interactions with law enforcement.
McGreer’s tragic demise is part of a series of suspicious deaths under investigation by Edmonton’s homicide detectives over the recent long weekend. Additional incidents, including the discovery of an elderly man in medical distress and subsequent deaths, alongside a fatal house fire, have raised concerns in the community. The authorities are urging anyone with information on these incidents to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigations.
