Edmonton liquor store owner killed in suspected robbery; community mourns Sukhjit Randhawa

A 48-year-old liquor store owner in central Edmonton's Cromdale neighbourhood was killed Wednesday in what police say was a suspected robbery, leaving his community shocked and neighbouring business owners worried about their safety.

Sukhjit Randhawa, known as Sunny to customers and fellow business owners, owned Connect Liquor Store at 112 Avenue and 82 Street, a block east of Commonwealth Stadium. Police say he attempted to stop a man from stealing liquor, locked the main doors, and was then attacked. Emergency crews arrived on scene but Randhawa died in hospital. Investigators have withheld the cause of death for investigative purposes.

Edmonton police arrested and charged Nicholas Butler-Chowace, 22, with second-degree murder on Thursday. Investigators say they are not looking for any other suspects.

Regular customers described Randhawa as genuinely kind and generous with his time. "Every time I came in, we'd sit and have conversations about weather, traffic, the state of our neighbourhood, the state of Edmonton; sometimes I'd be there for 15-20 minutes just chatting with him," said Linda Stanford, a longtime customer. "What is it coming to? He was just such a kind man. He's got a family. I'm just so astonished right now. It's so senseless."

A server at nearby Heart and Plate restaurant, which opened four months ago, said Randhawa was one of the first to welcome them to the area, offering to hand out their pamphlets. "He was really nice," she said.

The killing has intensified safety concerns among nearby business owners and workers. Employees at Touch of Thai Massage Therapy and Galaxy Medical Clinic both reported regular theft incidents and said they now feel unsafe even taking out the garbage. The owner of Little Caesars, located next door to the liquor store, said staff are scared and the business is considering closing earlier than midnight due to safety worries. Multiple business owners told media that more emphasis needs to be placed on mental health and more resources brought to the area.

A memorial has grown outside Connect Liquor Store as the community grieves.