Calgary police investigate a fatal shooting at Junction Underground nightclub

The 2021 Calgary Homicide Victim List is available here
The 2021 Calgary Homicide Map is available here

Calgary police responded to a report of a shooting outside Junction Underground nightclub, located at 628 8 Ave. S.W., on Sunday October 10th at approximately 2:40am.

Police and paramedics located a man in his 30’s suffering from life threatening injuries. He was rushed to hospital where he died from his injuries a short time later. Investigators said the deceased victim cannot be named until after his autopsy early next week.

During the police search for the suspect a man in his 30s drove himself to the Foothills Medical Centre with gunshot wounds. Police believe he may be connected to the incident. He remains in hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries.

Update October 14th
The victim has been identified as 31-year-old John Mitchell Smith Jr. He was a Calgarian who had moved here a few years ago from Washington state in the United States to play college basketball.

Calgary police said the investigation has led them to believe the victim left the club with a female friend around 2:30 a.m., when two men who were loitering outside started making unwanted sexual advances on and physical contact with the woman. Police believe the victim intervened and an altercation occurred that ended with the shooting of the victim, and accidentally shooting the acquaintance of the suspect.

The shooter fled the scene on foot by heading eastbound along 8 Avenue S.W. The Acquaintance who drove himself to hospital is being uncooperative.

The suspect is described as being under six feet tall, with a visible tattoo on his neck and dark wavy hair. He was wearing a white Nike track suit top, blue jeans and white runners.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact police by calling the non-emergency line at 403-266-1234.

Update October 20th
Calgary police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for the arrest of Jesse Michael MARTINEZ, 35, of Calgary. MARTINEZ is wanted for second-degree murder in relation to the homicide of  John Mitchell Smith Jr.

Photo Calgary police: Jesse Michael MARTINEZ

Update: Martinez was arrested October 21st and will remain in custody until he appears before a judge, Calgary police said in a news release.