Scalaes of Justice (Image Credit: Dreamstime)

By Sheldon Spackman

September 2022 Incident

Man sentenced to 7 years in Ponoka shooting

Feb 12, 2026 | 12:51 PM

The second of two suspects charged in a Ponoka shooting three-and-a-half years ago has been sentenced to seven years in jail and a lifetime firearms prohibition. 

Eldon James Junior Saddleback, 37, was sentenced in Edmonton Court of King’s Bench on Feb. 3, 2026, after pleading guilty to counts of discharge firearm with intent, and possess prohibited firearm. 

Meanwhile, co-accused Anthony Omeasoo, a 33-year-old resident of Wetaskiwin, was sentenced on May 14, 2024, to 990 days in prison and a firearms prohibition. Due to Omeasoo serving 810 days in pre-trial custody, his remaining sentence was six months of total imprisonment. 

It was early on Sept. 21, 2022, when Ponoka RCMP responded to reports of a shooting near the Town’s Leland Hotel. Upon arrival, officers reported finding a victim with what appeared to be multiple gun shot wounds. The individual was taken to a hospital by STARS in stable condition. 

Saddleback and Omeasoo were arrested on Sept. 26, 2022, at the Cascade Ponds in Banff National Park with assistance from the Calgary Police Service and other detachments. 

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Read more: 

• One sentenced, one to stand trial in Ponoka shooting case
• Preliminary hearing scheduled for pair charged in alleged Ponoka shooting 
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• Ponoka RCMP investigate shooting