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Edmonton registers a murder a week

EDMONTON — Since ringing in 2011, police in Edmonton have been averaging a murder a week.

EDMONTON — Since ringing in 2011, police in Edmonton have been averaging a murder a week.

Criminologist Bill Pitt says the trend is alarming, especially since there were at least three homicides in the city in December.

Pitt says the rising death toll is putting a strain on police resources and making it tough for detectives to devote as much time as they would like to each case.

Among the latest victims in the Alberta capital is a 19-year-old man who was allegedly assaulted outside a night club last weekend.

Colby Baker was taken to hospital in good condition, but his status worsened and he died Monday after being taken off life support.

Two men in their early 20s have been charged with manslaughter.

Pitt says he believes alcohol and drug abuse, along with stress from unemployment and debt, often lead to violence.