(Dreamstime)

By Sheldon Spackman

April 2021 Incident

Eight-year sentence for one of two charged in central Alberta shootings

Sep 19, 2023 | 3:32 PM

One of two men charged in a series of shootings on the O’Chiese First Nation two years ago, has been sentenced to eight years in jail.

Zachary Yellowface, 22, a resident of the O’Chiese First Nation, was also given a firearm prohibition after being sentenced on five counts following the conclusion of his trial in Red Deer Court of King’s Bench last week.

Yellowface was sentenced on four counts of discharging a firearm with intent and one count of possession of a prohibited firearm. Six other counts were withdrawn.

As part of his sentence, Yellowface is to have no contact or communication, directly or indirectly, with the four victims. His sentence is to be served in Maskwacis at Pe Saka Stew Centre that specializes in rehabilitation with cultural values and practices.

It was about 5 p.m. on April 5, 2021, when RCMP in Rocky Mountain House received a complaint about a male shot in a home in the Sunchild area.

Last seen Nov. 28

Missing: Jimmy Eagle, 27, of Maskwacis

Dec 14, 2025

the situation is dire

Two deaths, possibly from cold exposure, raise alarm amid Red Deer shelter situation and plight of homeless community

Dec 12, 2025

Lace-'Em Up!

Red Deer's outdoor rinks returning for another season

Dec 12, 2025

A second report of a shooting came in a half an hour later at the O’Chiese Marketplace, where police said a second male had reportedly been shot.

Then, just before 6 p.m., a third report of a shooting at a home was received where two men had apparently been shot.

Residents were advised to shelter in place as RCMP searched for the suspects. Police said four adult male victims, 18, 19, 20 and 34, were taken to hospital.

Mounties said the suspects were eventually arrested with help from Air Services and Police Dog Services.

Co-accused Keith Beaverbones, 30, also of the O’Chiese First Nation, plead guilty to three counts of discharging a firearm with intent on Aug. 14, 2023. He is scheduled for sentencing on those charges on Feb. 9, 2024, in Red Deer Court of King’s Bench.

Beaverbones is to speak to a fourth count of discharging a firearm with intent, also on that same date.

Related: Trial dates set for pair charged in central Alberta shootings