Edmonton police have issued a public appeal for information following the escape of an inmate from a correctional facility in the early hours of New Year's Day. The suspect remains at large, prompting authorities to activate a Canada-wide warrant.
Details of the New Year's Day Escape
The incident occurred at the Stan Daniels Healing Centre shortly before 2 a.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2026. According to police, the escape was discovered during a routine head count at approximately 1:47 a.m.. The correctional facility is a minimum-security institution operated by Correctional Services Canada.
Identity and Description of Wanted Inmate
The escaped inmate has been identified as Shelby Crane, 33. Crane was serving a sentence of 10 years and six months for convictions including manslaughter, use of a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and obstructing a peace officer.
Police have provided a detailed physical description to aid the public in identification:
- Height: 6 feet, 2 inches
- Weight: Approximately 214 pounds
- Eyes: Brown
- Hair: Black
Crane has several distinctive tattoos, which are considered key identifying features:
- Right forearm: A crook and castle logo and a medusa
- Right hand: The name "Marlene"
- Right upper arm: The names "Marilyn" and "Mya"
- Left upper arm: A flower-themed sleeve
- Left hand: The letter "S"
- Left wrist: A cross
Police Appeal and How to Provide Information
The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is leading the search and is urging anyone with information regarding Shelby Crane's whereabouts to come forward immediately. A Canada-wide warrant has been issued, meaning law enforcement agencies across the country are actively looking for him.
Members of the public can contact the EPS directly at 780-423-4567. For those wishing to provide information anonymously, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online through their secure reporting system. Police advise the public not to approach Crane if spotted but to contact authorities immediately.
The escape from custody represents a significant breach of security and underscores the ongoing challenges faced by correctional services. The EPS has not released further details on how the escape was executed, citing the ongoing investigation.
