The 2023 Edmonton homicide victim list is available here

Police said officers responded to a call for assistance from Edmonton Fire Rescue Services after they located Fred Kolybaba, 69, deceased inside a residence in the area of 132 Street and 133 Avenue on September 1st.

An autopsy was performed and investigators announced on September 26th that Kolybaba’s death has been ruled a homicide; the cause of death is not being released at this time.

Homicide investigators would like to speak to anyone who came into contact with Kolybaba in the late afternoon / evening of Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, or who may have information about the events leading up to his death.

Edmonton police announced that Nicholas Alexander Brashko, 44, was arrested for murder, arson and indignity to a body in relation to the Sep. 1, 2023 homicide.

Update June 1st 2026: A judge has acquitted 46-year-old Nicholas Alexander Brashko of charges of second-degree murder and arson in connection with the death of 69-year-old Fred Kolybaba.

During the trial, the court heard that Brashko had visited Kolybaba’s residence to purchase prescription medication and was among the last known people to see him alive. However, the judge concluded that the evidence presented was insufficient to prove Brashko was responsible for either Kolybaba’s death or the fire.

In delivering the verdict, the judge noted that while Brashko’s presence at the home raised suspicion, the Crown failed to provide direct evidence linking him to the killing or the blaze. As a result, Brashko was found not guilty on both charges.