The man who allegedly stabbed a mother and child to death outside a southeast Edmonton school was previously known to police according to EPS .
On Friday , just before 5 p.m. Edmonton Police responded to a report of a man who was attacking a 35-year old woman and her 11-year-old child, just outside of Crawford Plains School in South East Edmonton. Upon arrival, they found the woman dead and the child injured.
The woman was pronounced dead on the scene, despite life-saving efforts and the child died of their injuries in hospital.
The suspect was then located nearby, by two other responding officers and was shot after an “altercation” ensued.
Edmonton Police are currently not naming the man, who is currently on life support according to Edmonton police Chief Dale Mcfee, but they have stated that the suspect is known to police and has a prior history , including various charges and an alleged recent incident where he attacked someone with a scooter.
“He was brought before a judge and released with conditions and the charges were later stayed,” he said. “There are also indications that the suspect has a history of mental health concerns. In addition to his violent encounters, we do not know the status of any mental health assessments that were requested upon any of his files.”
According to police, the suspect also attempted to gain access to the school prior to the stabbings.
Kathy Muhlethaler, acting Edmotnon Public Schools Superintendent said the division’s critical incident support services team, including staff who provide counselling and support, will be at the school this week, along with a knowledge keeper who specializes in grief.
Police Chief Dale Mcfee added that the stabbings are a reminder there are clear gaps in health care and justice system support and services.
“This is a dangerous individual that took two lives in Edmonton. That shouldn’t happen.”
The incident is now in the hands of the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team, who is now investigating the officer’s shooting of the suspect while the EPS homicide unit investigates the deaths of the mother and child.
Autopsies have been tentatively scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.
