Victim of Abbotsford school stabbing remembered as community mourns
Posted November 3, 2016 6:45 am.
Last Updated November 3, 2016 9:55 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
ABBOTSFORD (NEWS 1130) – We are learning more about the 13-year-old girl killed in that random attack at Abbotsford Senior Secondary School on Tuesday. Condolences to the family of Letisha Reimer are pouring in on social media following a private candlelight vigil that was held in the community last night.
The teenager, who died of her injuries after being stabbed in her school, is being remembered as someone who brought a ray of sunshine into a lot of lives — that’s how members of her church are describing Reimer. They add the teen generously gave her time and energy to the community.
The comments from friends, family and strangers are piling up online. “Deepest condolences to the families suffering this loss. There are no words that seem adequate,” writes one person on the church’s Facebook page.
While another adds, “This [is] beyond heartbreaking. May the family of this sweet child have comfort in what a wonderful example she was to the world.”
There is also a GoFundMe page set up for the family, which has already well exceeded its $10,000 goal in less than 16 hours.
Suspect arrested, charged
The suspect in this case was subdued by staff at the school quickly after the attack and subdued until officers arrived just minutes later. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has identified 21-year-old Gabriel Brandon Klein as the man said to be responsible. He has been charged with second-degree murder and aggravated assault.
Police say Klein is of “no fixed address,” and has been in Metro Vancouver off and on over the past several months. They say he appears to be from Alberta and doesn’t appear to have a criminal record.
“We’re looking for anyone who has been in contact with Mr. Klein, whether it be in face-to-face contact, through social media or through emails,” says Staff Sergeant Jennifer Pound. “We want to speak with those individuals.”
A second victim
Another girl was attacked during Tuesday’s chaos at the school. Police say that 14-year-old victim is still in the hospital and in stable condition. There is a publication ban on her name.
Once again, police and the victims’ families are pleading with people not to share a short video of the incident on social media, saying it’s traumatic for those affected by this week’s event.
The school district says it will remain closed until at least November 7th and that support services are being offered at St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church at 33333 Mayfair Avenue from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
