Murder-suicide claims three members of family
RCMP say mother, teen daughter killed, male family member took his own life
EDMONTON Strathcona County RCMP say three members of the same family were killed in a murder-suicide at their home this week.
Mounties were called to the home, on Range Road 222, about 6:15 a.m. Monday for reports of a man with a firearm, said Supt. Dave Kalist, detachment commander of Strathcona County RCMP.
A mother and daughter were found slain at the home along with a dog. A man was also found dead by his own hand.
“Our members responded immediately, ensured the safety of the public, accessed the residence and located three deceased people,” Kalist said Tuesday afternoon. “I can confirm that a mother and a daughter died of a result of homicide and a male as a result of a self-inflicted injury.
“To protect the public, the area was contained, traffic was diverted and nearby residences were evacuated. When Strathcona RCMP, including the Emergency Response Team, made entry onto the subject’s property, three people and one dog were located, deceased.
“RCMP Major Crimes are actively investigating what is believed to be the homicides of a 55-year-old woman and a 13-year-old girl. A 53-year-old male has died as a result of a self-inflicted injury.
“All three were members of the same family.”
The call was made by a fourth person who had been in the home and survived. Kalist cited the Federal Privacy Act, noting that names of the victims will not be provided by RCMP.
“Because the RCMP does not anticipate that this incident will result in criminal charges, we are limited in the information that we can provide to the public,” Kalist had said in an earlier statement.
“This is an extremely horrific situation and we ask that respect, support and privacy be directed to this family.”
The man is believed to be Greg Gartner, a tax attorney with Moodys Tax in Edmonton.
“The Moodys Tax team is shocked and saddened by the tragic events regarding the loss of a colleague and his family,” the company said in a Tuesday evening statement. “It is impossible for any of us to comprehend the heartbreaking event that occurred yesterday. Our heartfelt thoughts are with the family, friends and loved ones of all those involved. We are ensuring that our team has access to support during this difficult time. Out of respect for the family and the ongoing police investigation, the Moodys Tax team will be providing no further comment.”
A single RCMP cruiser remained on scene late Tuesday afternoon. A length of police tape ran the width of the black metal gate, next to a small green gatehouse with a beware-of-dog sign.
Someone had begun a small memorial at the foot of the mailbox, which included red, white and yellow flowers, a stuffed toy bunny and a card inside an envelope addressed to Lois and Sarah.
A property search shows the land belongs to Lois Antonia Paterson.
The weapon used was “legally owned,” said Kalist and RCMP had not been called to the home before.
“We don’t have a record of any previous domestic or family violence,” Kalist said.
Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters executive director Jan Reimer took issue with the RCMP decision not to identify the victims and apparent perpetrator in the case, saying it obscures the reality of domestic violence.
“Our position has always been that it’s important to bring this out in the open,” Reimer said.
“Of course you want to make sure that friends, family, loved ones, children’s playmates have an opportunity to hear the information from people who are close to them. But ultimately we believe police services should be releasing the names of those who have been killed due to domestic violence.”
She said identifying those killed “offers an opportunity to commemorate the life and the love of a human being, but it also helps to facilitate the prevention of further domestic violence.”
“Information just helps us to better understand what a huge social problem this is,” she said. “Naming the victims really makes it real for people. It’s not a nameless number that’s accounted for at the end of the year.”
Just before 4 p.m. Tuesday, Strathcona County Mayor Rod Frank issued a statement on behalf of his community.
“Our community experienced a heart-wrenching loss of three lives on Monday. We grieve together. I know there is a lot of pain that remains, and tragedy affects everyone in different ways,” said Frank. “For anyone in need of mental health supports, please contact Strathcona County Family and Community Services at 780-464-4044. I especially want to thank our emergency responders who did all they could in their response.”