Teen dies in shooting at Hobbema reserve

A teenage boy has died in one of two shootings at an aboriginal reserve south of Edmonton over the weekend, days after leaders put a gun amnesty into place to try to quell violence.

RCMP said they received a call early Sunday about the first shooting at one of the four Samson Cree First Nation reserves in the community of Hobbema. The teen, 16, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Shortly after, police received word of a second incident in which a man was injured in a shootout between the occupants of two homes.

Investigators said the shootings were gang-related and may be linked.

"We believe that there is a connection between the two incidents," RCMP Cpl. Darrel Bruno said late Sunday.

Two men have been detained for questioning, police said.

As many as 13 different gangs are believed to operate on the four Samson Cree reserves in Hobbema.

The area came under the national spotlight this spring when a 23-month-old girl was hit by a stray bullet while eating supper with her family inside their house.

The shooting of Asia Saddleback triggered an outcry from residents. In response, RCMP also sent extra officers to its Hobbema detachment.

RCMP Cpl. Bruno said the latest violence is disappointing, given recent efforts by police and community members.

"I've contacted some of the local residents … they kind of feel it's a bit of a setback, but they're going to continue on with a number of different issues they've been dealing with to curtail this type of activity," Bruno said.

Last week, leaders from the four reserves announced a gun amnesty to try to reduce violence. As part of the initiative, community members were asked to hand in illegal or unwanted guns, ammunition and knives between Aug. 1 and Nov. 30.