4 boys charged in church vandalism, school fires in northeast Edmonton
Posted January 27, 2026 12:57 pm.
Last Updated January 27, 2026 1:06 pm.
Edmonton police say four boys aged 12 to 16 are facing charges in connection with a fire at an elementary school and vandalism at a church in northeast Edmonton in October 2025.
The Edmonton Police Service says the charges related to three alleged incidents – one at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Elementary/Junior High School and two at St. Clare Catholic Church – over the course of four days.
Authorities say shortly before midnight on Oct. 19, fires were set on the sidewalk, in a dumpster and on various parts of the school’s field, causing about $1,000 in damage.
It was reported to police that three individuals were seen on the property of the school on 135 Avenue and 37 Street. Officers observed one individual with a gas can.
Hours later, around 4:16 a.m. on Oct. 20, three individuals were spotted on the property of St. Clare Catholic Church on 118 Avenue and 63 Street. They reportedly threw rocks and cement blocks at the church’s windows and spray-painted satanic imagery and profanity. The damage was estimated at $170,000.
On Oct. 22, just before 1 a.m., police were told three individuals threw several rocks at the church, causing about $20,000 in damage.
“Over 25 stained-glass windows were shattered, and disturbing graffiti and satanic imagery were left on the church building,” the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton wrote in a Facebook post the day after the second incident.
Edmonton police arrested two 15-year-olds in relation to the three incidents. A 16-year-old was arrested in connection with the school fire and the first incident at the church. They are facing arson and mischief charges.
A 12-year-old boy was arrested and charged with mischief in relation to the second incident at the church.
