Edmonton

Man found dead in north Edmonton was shot, police say

The death of an Edmonton man whose body was discovered in a residential area in the city's north end is being confirmed as the city's 10th homicide of 2017.

Benedicto George, 25, identified as 10th Edmonton homicide victim of 2017

Benedicto George's body was found in the grass between a playground and 103 Street near Lorelei School early Sunday morning. (Zoe Todd/CBC)

The death of an Edmonton man whose body was discovered Sunday in a green space on the city's north side has been confirmed as a homicide.

Benedicto George, 25, died of gunshot wounds, Edmonton police said in a news release Tuesday.

His death marks the 10th homicide in Edmonton this year.

George's body was found early Sunday on the grass between a street and a playground next to Lorelei elementary school, 16230 103rd St.

An autopsy was completed on Monday.

George was known to police and had a lengthy criminal record. He previously pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen credit card and credit card data.

He was due to stand trial in provincial court next month on a series of unresolved charges, including possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and obstruction of a peace officer.

Edmonton police are asking anyone who may have witnessed suspicious or unusual activity in the area that morning to contact them or Crime Stoppers.

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