Flowers and heavy emotions are stacking up on the sidewalk after the owner of this central Edmonton liquor store was killed Wednesday.
Now, people here in the neighbourhood of 112 Avenue and 82 Street, just a block east of Commonwealth Stadium, are mourning the loss of a man they call Sunny, who they say was a bright light in this community.
“Super kind man. Every time I came in, we’d sit and have conversations about weather, traffic, the state of our neighbourhood, the state of Edmonton; sometimes I’d be there for 15-20 minutes just chatting with him,” said Linda Stanford, a longtime customer.
Stanford says chatting with 48-year-old Sukhjit Randhawa, or Sunny, was a highlight on days she came down to the Connect Liquor Store.
She says seeing cop cars and police tape surrounding the area, with broken glass on the ground, shook her to her core.
Shards of broken glass can be seen near a liquor store at 112 Avenue and 82 Street in central Edmonton on Aug. 6, 2026. (Matt Battochio, CityNews)
“What is it coming to? He was just such a kind man. He’s got a family. I’m just so astonished right now. It’s so senseless,” said Stanford.
People who live and work in this area tell CityNews they believe it was a robbery gone wrong.
Police say 22-year-old Nicholas Butler-Chowace was arrested and charged with second degree murder Thursday in connection to Randhawa’s death, which has been ruled a homicide, but not saying how he died for investigative reasons.
A server says Randhawa had built a connection to the team at this restaurant across the street almost immediately after they first opened their doors earlier this year.
“He was really nice. He was willing to give out some of our pamphlets when we first opened,” said Mila, a server at the Heart and Plate.
She adds the team is also facing safety concerns, like other businesses nearby, sharing this video of a break-in that happened Tuesday.
“It’s a little scary, especially as a small business. We only opened four months ago; we’re a little worried that it’s making people, like, scared to come here. The owners, sometimes, like to bring their kids over, and now they’re like, a little scared to be doing that too,” said Mila.
An Edmonton police vehicle on the scene of a suspicious death at 112 Avenue and 82 Street on Aug. 6, 2026. (Matt Battochio, CityNews)
But through difficult times, she says neighbours and fellow businesses have banded together, continuing to stay in contact and visit each other.
Still, the loss of Randhawa, who seemed to make that extra effort in brightening up people’s day, is a tough pill to swallow, as a memorial grows outside of his store.
“I was really hoping it wasn’t him. All the guys that work there are very kind, and it’s devastating. Truly,” said Stanford.
The investigation into Randhawa’s death continues. Police say they aren’t looking for any other suspects.
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