The mayor of St. Albert says the city is a safe community that’s not immune to violence, following the stabbing of two teenage girls last week.
Jaeden Chaisson, 17, died of her injuries in hospital two dies after she was stabbed multiple times at a home in the Riverside community of St. Albert, northwest of Edmonton, on July 18.
A 13-year-old who was also stabbed is recovering in hospital.
“This shocked our community to its very core, and I know all of us grieve together,” Mayor Cathy Heron said in a statement Tuesday.
“While St. Albert is a safe community, this tragedy shows that violence can happen anywhere.”
Heron says she is “utterly heartbroken” by the deadly incident.
“On behalf of St. Albert City Council, our condolences are extended to the teen’s family and friends, and our prayers continue to be with the second teen who is recovering from her injuries,” she wrote.
“This is an experience that no family should ever go through. I know our close-knit community stands behind these families and supports them at this extremely difficult time.”
Kaj Randall, 28, was arrested in Edmonton Saturday morning and charged with first-degree murder. Police say the accused knew the two victims.
“I thank the St. Albert RCMP and Edmonton Police Services for their swift work in arresting a suspect. I also thank our Emergency Services personnel who provided patient care,” Heron’s statement reads.
The mayor of St. Albert says anyone needing support or mental-health counselling can contact the city’s Family and Community Support Services at 780-459-1756.
“I encourage anyone who feels that they need someone to talk to, to reach out,” she said.
A GoFundMe page was set up by a family friend to help raise money for Jaeden’s funeral and memorial. More than $21,000 was raised — on a revised goal of $25,000 — as of Tuesday afternoon.