Former fugitive gets 8 years for killing in Calgary, still facing Edmonton murder trial

A former fugitive who committed a killing in Calgary and is accused of murder in Edmonton was handed an eight-year prison sentence Monday for manslaughter with a firearm.

Originally charged with first-degree murder, Joseph Chlala, 23, pleaded guilty to manslaughter for his role in a daytime shooting near a park in July 2020.

With credit for the time he's already served, Chlala has about 6 years left behind bars.

Christian Navos, 32, was shot seven times at close range as he sat in the driver's seat of his car.

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At the time of the shooting, investigators said the crime was believed to be tied to drugs.

In March 2023, Chlala failed to show up for his sentencing hearing and removed his ankle tracking device.

Warrants were issued.

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On June 12, 2023, Osama Ali was fatally shot in an alley in southwest Edmonton.

By September, Canada-wide warrants were issued for Chlala's arrest on a charge of first-degree murder in the Edmonton homicide.

In August 2024, Chlala was arrested in upstate New York and brought back to Alberta so he could be sentenced for the manslaughter conviction and tried for the Edmonton homicide.

The Edmonton trial has not yet taken place.