(Dreamstime)

By Sheldon Spackman

October 2023 Incident

Trial underway in central Alberta homicide

Sep 9, 2025 | 2:10 PM

Trial is now underway for a central Alberta man accused of second-degree murder in a fatal assault on the Louis Bull First Nation two years ago.

Eroll Clay Rabbit, 60, a resident of Maskwacis, has a jury trial scheduled in Wetaskiwin Court of Justice from Sept. 8-19, 2025.

Rabbit was ordered to stand trial following a preliminary hearing held in Wetaskiwin Court of Justice on July 15, 2024.

It was on Oct. 9, 2023, when Maskwacis RCMP received a report of an assault at a residence on the Louis Bull First Nation.

Upon arrival, Mounties say the victim, who was identified as 66-year-old Gary Gordon Raine, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Last seen March 31

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RCMP say they initially arrested a suspect at a nearby residence and laid charges for attempted murder.

However, on Oct. 13, 2023, RCMP say the victim died from injuries received during the assault.

As a result of a joint investigation by Maskwacis RCMP and the Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit, on Oct. 20, 2023, Mounties say the suspect had his original charge upgraded to second degree murder.

Related: Man charged in central Alberta homicide ordered to stand trial

Related: Preliminary hearing scheduled for central Alberta man charged with second-degree murder

Related: Central Alberta Mounties investigate fatal assault