Abbotsford School Stabbing

[icandoitfaster]

As many of you know, I'm a teacher in the Abbotsford District. It has been a very rough week for the staff and students in our school district. On Tuesday a 21 year old male homeless drifter entered one of our high schools and randomly stabbed two young females killing one of them (13 years old). He was quickly taken down by staff and held until police arrrived so more deaths were averted. This event has shocked our community to it's core. Everyone is reeling!! 

A video of the killing was posted on the web and went viral so most of the kids have witnessed the murder, which makes it all the more real to them and they can't get it out of their heads. They are really struggling with the realization that their safe world can be shattered at any moment.

Please pray for the kids in our schools. Many are now afraid to go to school, fearing that the same thing will happen to them. It is heart breaking to see them grieve and tremble. They need time and love to ease their fears.

paul

http://vancouversun.com/news/crime/abbotsford-stabbing-survivor-escaped-to-computer-lab-with-schoolmates-help

[Beardo]

Sympathies and prayers from the prairies.

[gordonv]

Prayers from Tess and I, Paul.

Thank you for writing about it. I know I wrote you privately, and mentioned I didn't want to be the one to post it. Thank you VERY much for bring this forward to our community, so we can share and support you in your grief.

I said it privately. I know you are a good man, a good father, and a good teacher! I know this wasn't your school, but it was in your local community. Also, any school is too close to home, in something like this.


My first thought was some suicidal boy who's girl friend broke up with him. Then heard it was a random act. Hadn't heard of the homeless person, but then I've been on holidays this week, and don't listen to the news unless I'm driving.

Good for those staff members who stepped in and stopped more from happening. Prayers for all! Can not imagine how those people are feeling, nothing to compare it to.

As I said too, if you want to talk or vent, I'm there for you.

[Jess from VA]

Homeless man enters school and shortly thereafter murders one girl, and attempts to murder another with the knife he had with him.

In the US this is first degree murder (all year long), not second (as charged).  You may plead it down later, but this is murder one to start.  

What did he do, enter for fun, and then suddenly decide to kill????

If he's insane, let him prove it.

(Sorry for your troubles) 

[icandoitfaster]

murder one in Canada must be premeditated. Walking around aimlessly with a knife in your pocket doesn't prove intent. First psycologist has declared him sane but wait till his lawyers talk to him.....he'll all of a sudden become insane. Guys in Canada get found not guilty on grounds of insanity all the time (because apparently they didn't know what they were doing at the time, even if it's just for a few hours while high or drunk). The pendulum has swung way to far in the opposite direction!!  No one gets charged with murder one any more because no one can prove intent, without a shadow of a doubt. Crown always plays it safe now.

I would like ten minutes with this piece of crap in a locked room! 

[Jess from VA]

I understand the issues of proof,  but this should start as murder 1.

You'd be amazed at how many murder 2 pleas this gets.

I've been a prosecutor in my life.  Starting with murder 2 is a.... limp dick (and a stupid way to do business).

I know there are some differences with US and CA, but you take murder 1 to trial; after the trial and arguments they get instructed by the judge on murder 1, murder 2 and probably manslaughter, and the jury decides. 

I'm with you on the 10 minutes.  The general prison population is not keen on child murderers (or rapists).   

[Skinhead]

Bad mojo no matter how he is charged.   Sorry for the victims and their families.