Community Alert: Homicide Arrest Linked to Vermilion Killing
The Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit, working with Vermilion RCMP, has arrested and charged a suspect in connection with the January 21, 2026 homicide of 30-year-old Vermilion resident Brady Greg Snelgrove. The arrest follows an intensive investigation into the deadly incident that occurred in the community of Vermilion, Alberta.
On April 25, 2026, officers located and arrested 28-year-old Cole Erich Hill in Sooke, British Columbia, after investigators determined he had left Alberta following Snelgrove’s killing. Hill has now been charged and remains in custody as he is transported back to Alberta for further court proceedings.
Official RCMP Incident Details
According to the official information released by the Alberta RCMP:
- On January 21, 2026, 30-year-old Brady Greg Snelgrove, a resident of Vermilion, Alberta, was killed in Vermilion.
- The investigation into Snelgrove’s death was led by the Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit (MCU), with support from Vermilion RCMP.
- On April 22, 2026, Major Crimes investigators obtained sufficient evidence to lay charges and secured an arrest warrant for Cole Erich Hill.
- Investigators determined that Hill had left Alberta after the homicide.
- With assistance from the public and from members of the Sooke RCMP Detachment, the West Shore RCMP Detachment, and the West Shore Bike Unit, police located and arrested Hill in Sooke, B.C. on April 25, 2026.
The accused, Cole Erich Hill (28), who is reported as having no fixed address, faces the following charge:
- Second-degree murder in connection with the death of Brady Greg Snelgrove.
Following his arrest, Hill was presented before a Justice of the Peace and has been remanded into custody. Arrangements are underway to return him to Alberta, where he will again appear before a Justice of the Peace to determine his future court schedule and status.
This homicide and the subsequent cross-province arrest highlight the serious nature of violent crime investigations in smaller communities such as Vermilion. Residents seeking broader context on local crime patterns can review Vermilion, Alberta crime statistics and safety data and wider regional trends through Vermilion River County crime and safety statistics.
CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective
From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this case underscores the impact that serious violent offences, such as homicide, have on communities across Alberta, including smaller centres. A rapid and coordinated response between local detachments, specialized units, and the public can be crucial for locating suspects who may travel between provinces.
While this investigation has led to an arrest, community safety remains an ongoing priority. Residents are encouraged to stay aware of their surroundings, report suspicious or violent behaviour to local RCMP detachments, and seek support services if they feel affected by traumatic incidents. Monitoring official police alerts, understanding local crime trends, and promptly sharing information with authorities when appropriate are all key contributions citizens can make toward a safer environment for everyone.
Official Source & Community Safety
This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the alberta community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.
Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.