Vern Leonard Smith charged with the murder of Walter Smith in Edmonton

Edmonton Police Service Homicide Detectives have arrested and charged a man in connection with an aggravated assault turned homicide that took place in Mill Woods on the weekend.

The victim of the aggravated assault, Walter Smith, 37, succumbed to his injuries and died in hospital. The Medical Examiner conducted the autopsy today and determined that Smith died as a result of cranial trauma.

Vern Leonard Smith, 35, was arrested and charged with one count of second degree murder.

Background:

Walter Smith was brought to the Grey Nuns Hospital around 4 a.m. on Sunday, November 14, 2010, and hospital staff contacted police due to the seriousness of his injuries. Smith was the victim of an aggravated assault at a residence in Mill Woods, and EPS Homicide Detectives were called in to assist with the investigation. Smith passed away in hospital on Sunday.