Three family members dead in apparent murder-suicide in Strathcona County

Three members of the same family are dead after an apparent murder-suicide in Strathcona Country on Monday.

According to Strathcona County RCMP, police responded to a 911 call of a male with a firearm at a residence on Range Road 222 on May 4, at 6:14 am.

The surrounding area was evacuated and traffic was diverted as police investigated the report.

“When Strathcona RCMP, including the Emergency Response Team, made entry onto the subject’s property, three people and one dog were located, deceased,” said a release from the RCMP.

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“RCMP Major Crimes are actively investigating what is believed to be the homicides of a 55-year-old woman and a 13-year-old girl.”

A 53-year-old male also died as a result of a self-inflicted injury.

RCMP confirmed that all three were members of the same family.

The RCMP remained on scene at the residence overnight and the investigation is ongoing. The names of the victims were not released at this time.

“Because the RCMP does not anticipate that this incident will result in criminal charges, we are limited in the information that we can provide to the public” Superintendent Dave Kalist, Detachment Commander of Strathcona County RCMP, said.

“This is an extremely horrific situation and we ask that respect, support, and privacy be directed to this family.”

Strathcona’s Mayor also released a statement Tuesday regarding the incident.

“Our community experienced a heart-wrenching loss of three lives on Monday,” Mayor Rod Frank said.  We grieve together. I know there is a lot of pain that remains, and tragedy affects everyone in different ways.”

The mayor also said anyone in need of mental health support should contact Strathcona County Family and Community Services at 780-464-4044.

“I especially want to thank our emergency responders who did all they could in their response.”

Those needing to access supports for violence and abuse in Alberta can visit the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters for more information in their area.