Calgary police issue warrants in Forest Lawn crash, shooting that left innocent mother dead

Seven Canada-wide warrants have been issued for a 29-year-old man in connection with a fatal incident in Forest Lawn last week that claimed the life of an innocent mother.

Angela McKenzie, a 40-year-old mother of five, was killed in what police had previously described as a road rage incident.

Late on May 10, CPS received reports that two vehicles — a red Chevrolet Silverado and a grey Volkswagen Jetta — were “driving erratically” along 36 Street S.E. and that shots were being fired. Shortly after, the vehicles were sent crashing into two uninvolved cars, one of which McKenzie was driving.

The exact circumstances around what happened are not yet clear. However, new information suggests the incident was not road-rage related as was initially thought.

“After identifying the individuals involved and examining all evidence, we believe the shooting was targeted and that the driver of the Volkswagen Jetta was the intended target. Occupants of the Jetta did not exchange gunfire as previously thought,” a release from police reads in part.

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• Innocent woman dead after ‘road rage shooting’ in Calgary’s Forest Lawn: police

Police are now searching for Talal Amer. The warrants out for his arrest include attempted murder, manslaughter, reckless discharge of a firearm, possession of a prohibited firearm with an obliterated serial number, unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of a prohibited firearm, and possession of a prohibited device.

Investigators say Amer is believed to have been the only person in the Chevy Silverado, which police note was stolen. Despite earlier reports, CPS says the people in the Volkswagen Jetta were not believed to have been shooting.

Amer is described as being 5’11” tall and weighing 230 lbs. He has brown eyes and brown hair.

Several warrants have been issued for Talal Amer, who is being sought in connection with a crash and shooting that left an innocent mother dead in Forest Lawn. (Courtesy CPS)

“This incident was a careless and senseless display of violence in our community and we believe that Talal Amer was solely responsible for the death of Ms. McKenzie,” said Staff-Sgt. Sean Gregson of the CPS Homicide Unit.

Tributes to McKenzie described her as an active member of the local church community, as well as a devoted mother who was always willing to lend a hand to those in need.

According to community members, McKenzie’s children lost their father about two months ago.

“So now they are without parents and are under the care of friends and other extended family. So, it’s a rough time and children grieve so differently than adults,” said Pastor Ian Scott.

A GoFundMe page launched for the family has so far raised more than $135,000.

Anyone with information about Amer or what happened is asked to contact CPS at 403.266.1234. You can also contact Crime Stoppers with any information at 1.800.222.8477.

-With files from Joey Chini and Tom Ross