It has been a decade since the tragic Brentwood stabbing that claimed the lives of five young people. On April 15, 2014, the city of Calgary was left in shock and mourning as the news of this senseless act of violence spread.
The incident took place at a house party in the quiet neighborhood of Brentwood. A group of friends, all in their early twenties, were celebrating the end of the school year when a lone attacker entered the home and began stabbing people at random. In the end, five people lost their lives, and one was left critically injured.
The victims were identified as Lawrence Hong, Kaiti Perras, Jordan Segura, Josh Hunter, and Zackariah Rathwell. They were all students at the University of Calgary and had bright futures ahead of them. Their families and friends were left devastated by their sudden and tragic deaths.
The perpetrator, Matthew de Grood, was arrested at the scene and charged with five counts of first-degree murder. He was later found not criminally responsible due to a mental disorder and was sent to a psychiatric hospital for treatment.
The Brentwood community, along with the rest of Calgary, came together to mourn and support the families of the victims. A memorial was set up at the site of the attack, and a candlelight vigil was held to honor the lives lost.
In the years since the Brentwood stabbing, the community has worked to heal and move forward. The University of Calgary established a scholarship in memory of the victims, and a park was named after them in the Brentwood neighborhood.
The families of the victims have also been vocal advocates for mental health awareness and support. They have worked tirelessly to raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding mental illness.
As we mark the 10-year anniversary of this tragic event, we remember the lives lost and the impact it had on our city. The Brentwood stabbing serves as a reminder to cherish our loved ones and to continue working towards a more compassionate and understanding society.
