St. Albert Mayor Cathy Heron issued a statement Tuesday morning about the death of 17-year-old Jaeden Chaisson, who died from stab wounds last Saturday.
"This shocked our community to its very core, and I know all of us grieve together,” the statement says. "I am utterly heartbroken at the incident that occurred on July 18 and the tragic loss of a 17-year-old teen within our community. On behalf of St. Albert city council, our condolences are extended to the teen’s family and friends, and our prayers continue to be with the second teen who is recovering from her injuries ... While St. Albert is a safe community, this tragedy shows that violence can happen anywhere.”
The mayor's message encourages anyone who is in need of mental health counselling to reach out to the city's Family and Community Support Services. Residents can call 780-459-1756.
"This is an experience that no family should ever go through. I know our close-knit community stands behind these families and supports them at this extremely difficult time," the statement says.
Police have charged 28-year-old Kaj Randall with first-degree murder. They allege that Randall stabbed Chaisson and another teenager whose name is covered by a publication ban. Randall was known to the victims, police say.
