Police want to talk to 2 people in connection with killing of Calgary chef

Calgary police are looking to speak with two people who might have information connected to the killing of a local chef on the weekend.

Christophe Herblin, 56, was killed by a group of at least three people as he waited in a parking lot for his business to be secured following a break-in early Saturday morning.

Police have said the would-be thieves were trying to gain access to the Spiritleaf cannabis shop through Herblin's cafe, which was connected in a strip mall.

Photos of two people who were in the area around the time of Herblin's death were released Thursday by police. The people, a man and a woman, were at the McDonald's on 17th Avenue S.W. at 35th Street. 

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"We continue to ask for anyone who has knowledge about this tragic and senseless incident to come forward," said Staff Sgt. Martin Schiavetta. 

"Sometimes even the smallest piece of information can be enough to help us bring closure to a victim's family."

Herblin, who worked as the Glencoe Club's executive chef, was set to open his own French market and deli, Croque Saveurs.

On Saturday, he responded to a break-and-enter alarm at his business around 3 a.m. Police arrived, secured the scene and searched the business before leaving.

Herblin waited in the parking lot for his business to be boarded up following the break-in. Around 6 a.m., at least three offenders returned and attacked the victim. 

He made it to a nearby gas station to ask for help but died at the scene. 

There have been at least two break-ins at the same Spiritleaf cannabis store and investigators are looking into potential connections.

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Investigators are asking anyone who was driving westbound on Bow Trail S.W. around 38th Avenue between 6 and 6: 30 a.m. on Saturday to review their dash cam videos and provide any information to police.

Police initially asked the public for help finding a Dodge Calibre related to the incident. 

The hatchback was pulled over by Saskatchewan RCMP and a man was taken into custody and eventually released. Police say they're continuing to investigate whether he was involved in the homicide.

Anyone with information about the two people sought by police or cannabis store break-ins in the past month is asked to call the police non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or the homicide unit at 403-428-8877.

Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers.

'Friendly and sincere'

Herblin grew up in southwest France and worked all over the world at high-end resorts, restaurants and hotels.

He'd been with the Glencoe Club in southwest Calgary for 23 years, including 14 years as its executive chef. 

"Christophe was approachable, friendly and sincere," said the club in a statement. 

"Tragedies such as this are especially hard when lives have been filled with so much anticipation and planning. 

Herblin leaves behind a wife and daughter.