by A woman was killed in a stabbing attack that police believe was motivated by domestic violence in southwest Calgary on Wednesday morning.
The victim, who was the estranged wife of the suspect, was found with multiple stab wounds in Strathcona Park, near John Costello Catholic School, around 7:40 a.m. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect, who was facing criminal charges for assaulting the victim and violating a no-contact order, was later found dead in a vehicle in the same area. Police said he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The couple was in the process of divorcing and had two children, who were not present at the time of the incident. Police said they had provided the victim with court support, safety planning and other resources to help her escape the abusive relationship.
The incident happened before the classes started at the school, which was closed for the day as a precaution. Police said there were no indications that any children witnessed the event, but there were several adult witnesses who were being interviewed and offered support.
“This is a very tragic situation that has impacted many people,” said Staff Sgt. Martin Schiavetta of the Calgary Police Service homicide unit. “We are working to understand what led to this violence and why the suspect chose to end his life in this manner.”
Police said they are not looking for any other suspects and there is no risk to the public. They are treating the case as a murder-suicide and are awaiting the results of the autopsies to confirm the identities and causes of death of the victims.
Anyone who has information about this incident or is experiencing domestic violence is urged to contact the police or a local support agency.
