Fundraiser aims to help family of alleged shooter who died in fire
Family members of Justin Heimbecker have released a joint statement saying they are in “shock and disbelief” over the events leading to his death on Friday in Langham.
Heimbecker was the subject of a dangerous person alert and was later found dead by RCMP in a house that had been destroyed by fire.
As of Monday, an online fundraiser was almost halfway to its target to help his family, who lost their home in the fire.
A Gofundme campaign with a goal of raising $20,000 to support the needs of his two sons and their mother was launched on Sunday and sat at just over $10,000 after 23 hours. Its creator said her best friend and the woman's two children lost everything, including the children's father.
“Due to the circumstances surrounding this tragedy, there may be no possibility of claiming insurance for the house or the contents,” the campaign description states. It says the funds raised will go toward housing or rental costs, replacement of furnishings and “any other costs associated with providing herself and her children a safe haven for their future.”
On Friday morning, Saskatchewan RCMP issued a critical alert about a man at large after a shooting in the town, and an update identified Heimbecker as the suspect. RCMP confirmed one person, a 38-year-old man, had died. Residents were asked to shelter in place, businesses were closed and entry points to the community were monitored by police and highway patrol officers.
The alert was cancelled around midday, after RCMP said officers found the body of a man believed to be Heimbecker at a home that had been on fire earlier in the day. Police said they were working to confirm the man's identity.
RCMP have said they will not release the identity of the shooting victim.
Heimbecker's aunt, Donna Heimbecker, provided an emailed statement on behalf of the family which described him as “a kind, caring and gentle soul who loved his family very much and he worked very hard to make a good life for them.”
In the statement, Heimbecker's family offered condolences and prayers to the family of the man who was fatally shot.
“We will never know what was going on in Justin's mind on that tragic day. His actions were totally out of character for the man we all knew and loved and we will always wish we could have known his struggles and been there for him,” the statement added.
“What we do know is that when individuals experience a loss, pain, distress and trauma some experience extreme anxiety, depression and feelings of disconnect which are serious mental health issues.”