Man charged with killing doctor at Alberta walk-in clinic

Attack against family physician was targeted and planned, RCMP say A memorial for Dr. Walter Reynolds sits outside the Village Mall Walk-in Clinic.

RED DEER, ALTA.— A man accused of killing a family doctor had a plan and a target in mind when he showed up at a walk-in clinic in central Alberta, RCMP said Tuesday.

Deng Mabiour of Red Deer, Alta., faces a charge of first-degree murder in the death of Dr. Walter Reynolds, a 45-year-old father of two.

The 54-year-old suspect is also charged with assault with a weapon and assaulting a police officer.

“This was not a random attack,” RCMP Supt. Gerald Grobmeier told a news conference.

Many of the 13 people who were in the clinic at the time showed bravery during the violence, he added. Grobmeier said RCMP received a 911 call reporting an assault in progress at the Village Mall Walk-in Clinic just after 11 a.m. Monday. Officers arrived within minutes.

Reynolds was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Grobmeier would not say what weapons were used in the slaying, but a witness told media outlets that a man had a machete and hammer.

Mabiour was arrested at the scene. He is to appear in court Wednesday.

Grobmeier said Reynolds and Mabiour knew each other through the clinic. The officer would not say whether the accused was a patient, citing confidentiality.

He also declined to discuss a possible motive to ensure Mabiour receives a fair trial.

Grobmeier said he could provide no details on whether mental illness or intoxication were factors. He said Mabiour was not previously known to police.

During the arrest, one officer was struck with a blunt weapon and was treated for minor injuries, Grobmeier added.

“Obviously he’s struggling emotionally with what happened yesterday, so that officer is at home recovering.”

Court documents detailing the charges against Mabiour say he is accused of carrying, using or threatening to use a “machete or an imitation” against Dr. Stephen Nel, another physician listed as working at the clinic.

Grobmeier said that doctor was not physically harmed. A GoFundMe page was set up to raise funds for the education of Reynolds’ young daughters. By Tuesday afternoon, it had raised $94,000.

There was a growing display of flowers and cards, along with a photo of a smiling Reynolds, outside the clinic. A medical face mask was tied to a lamp post among the bouquets.

“To friends and colleagues. We stand with you. Praying for all,” said one written message.