Vigil tonight at Willows Beach for slain sisters
A stage will be set up next to the Kiwanis Tea House at Willows Beach in Oak Bay for the 7 p.m. candlelight vigil tonight to remember young sisters Chloe and Aubrey Berry, whose bodies were found Christmas Day.
“This event is intended to be simple and tender,” a statement from organizers said Friday.
“It is an opportunity to come together in grief and in love as a community to mourn the tragic loss of two of our young citizens and to offer quiet prayers of healing and peace to their loved ones.”
Greater Victoria residents are invited to the one-hour gathering, being organized by community members with support from the municipality of Oak Bay. There will be formal remarks and music.
The bodies of Chloe, 6, and Aubrey, 4, were found in their father’s Oak Bay apartment on Christmas Day. Andrew Berry was taken to hospital with selfinflicted injuries. There has been no official word on his condition.
Police have said they are investigating the deaths as homicides.
Sarah Cotton, the girls’ mother, has been separated from Andrew Berry since 2013. The two shared custody of the children.
RCMP are saying little about what happened. A man remains in hospital and is being treated for his injuries and he is not in police custody, Cpl. Tammy Douglas said in an email Friday.
“Although we can appreciate the public’s interest in this matter, the federal Privacy Act prevents us from releasing names of those involved unless charges have been laid or the public’s assistance is required to further an investigation. As neither of these apply, further information cannot be provided,” she said.
“At this time, there are no further updates but the investigation remains ongoing.”
People are asked to bring a candle to the vigil, and to dress for chilly weather. Reflective clothing is being recommended for safety reasons.
Only street parking is available. People are urged to walk, bike or take public transit to the vigil.
Reserve police will direct traffic.
Environment Canada is forecasting temperatures about 3 C and a partly cloudy sky for this evening.