Secretary of State addresses Edmonton family's frustration with criminal justice system after business owner's killing
Ruby Sahota says federal bail reforms and consecutive sentencing will help; family questions how repeat offender remained on streets.
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The family of Sukhjit Randhawa, a liquor store owner killed August 5 in the Cromdale neighbourhood, is demanding answers from Canada's criminal justice system—and the country's Secretary of State is listening.
Randhawa was killed while working at the Connect Liquor Store in what authorities believe was a robbery gone wrong. A suspect, 22-year-old Nicholas Butler-Chowace, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. Court records show Butler-Chowace had a lengthy criminal record and received a 45-day sentence in December after pleading guilty to assault and theft charges.
"If it is one criminal charge, two criminal charges he has, how is he running around on the road?" Randhawa's brother Daljit asked at his funeral Wednesday, voicing the family's frustration with how the system handled the suspect's file.
Secretary of State Ruby Sahota, who visited Edmonton Thursday to discuss crime and safety, said she plans to meet with the family. She pointed to recent federal reforms—including consecutive sentencing provisions under Bill C-14, which took effect July 15—as tools to address these concerns. She also emphasized Alberta's role in the justice system, saying the province must properly resource the courts, prisons, and law enforcement services that fall under provincial jurisdiction.
"They need to be properly resourced," Sahota said of Alberta's law enforcement. The ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on her remarks.
The case reflects broader concerns about repeat offenders cycling through a system residents say is not protecting communities. Randhawa's death marks another tragic loss in Edmonton—prior coverage shows the city has dealt with several high-profile police-involved deaths in recent months.
What are the specific details of Nicholas Butler-Chowace's prior convictions and when they occurred?
What will Alberta Justice and Public Safety Ministry do in response to Sahota's criticism of provincial funding and court administration?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
Who was killed in Edmonton on August 5?
Sukhjit Randhawa, a liquor store owner, was killed on August 5 while working at the Connect Liquor Store in the Cromdale neighbourhood during what authorities believe was a robbery gone wrong.
Who was arrested for Sukhjit Randhawa's death?
Nicholas Butler-Chowace, 22 years old, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with Randhawa's death.
When did Bill C-14 consecutive sentencing provisions take effect?
The consecutive sentencing provisions under Bill C-14 took effect on July 15, 2026.
What was Nicholas Butler-Chowace's previous sentence?
Nicholas Butler-Chowace received a 45-day sentence in December after pleading guilty to assault and theft charges.
