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2nd suspect in Ponoka shooting ordered to stand trial

Co-accused from Wetaskiwin was sentenced last spring
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The vehicle involved in the shooting rests in front of the Leland Hotel Sept. 21, 2022. (File photo)

Maskwacis resident Eldon James Saddleback Junior, 36, charged with attempted murder in connection with a shooting in downtown Ponoka over two years ago, has been ordered to stand trial. 

The order came on Jan. 9, 2025 at the Ponoka Court of Justice following a preliminary hearing.

Saddleback has an arraignment scheduled for Feb. 11, 2025 at the Wetaskiwin Court of King's Bench.

A date for the trial has not been set yet. 

Early on Sept. 21, 2022, Ponoka RCMP received reports of a shooting near the Leland Hotel.

Video footage from a business on Chipman Avenue showed a black car swerve into a tree and then hit the curb on the opposite side of the street before an individual took off on foot.

According to the RCMP, a victim with apparent multiple gun shot wounds was taken to hospital by STARS in stable condition.

Saddleback and co-accused Anthony Kelsey Lee Omeasoo of Wetaskiwin were apprehended in Banff National Park five days later. 

Both men were charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, two counts of assault with a weapon, discharge of a firearm with intent, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and failing to comply with a release order.

Saddleback was also charged with possession of a weapon contrary to an order.

Omeasoo was sentenced to 990 days in jail on May 14, 2024. He was convicted of intentionally discharging a firearm and failing to comply with a release order. The other charges were withdrawn. 

According to records available to the public, Saddleback was previously convicted of multiple offences related to a home invasion on Montana Cree Nation in 2010.

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Emily Jaycox

About the Author: Emily Jaycox

I'm a reporter for Ponoka News and have lived in Ponoka since 2015.
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