As a memorial grows outside the Newton Recreation Centre where 53-year-old Julie Paskall was attacked Sunday night, one of the people who came to drop off flowers today was one of Julie’s daughters.
She was too distraught to talk to us on camera but told us the family is coping as best it can.
Julie had two daughters and one son.
Her son’s hockey coach also came by the memorial today and brought a jersey for people to sign and write messages of condolences to the mom who volunteered at so many games.
“She is everyone’s mom and I don’t know, I just felt in my heart that this is something she would appreciate because she is so passionate about the game,” says Kris Koppla.
Police continue to search for the person who beat Julie to death. They have not released any information on any possible suspects but say they are investigating about 20 tips.
Some people who came by the memorial today knew Julie, some didn’t, but they all said they were shocked and saddened by the senseless crime.
“It’s absolutely disgusting what happened to her, I work at Safeway and I work until midnight sometimes and now I’m even scared to leave the store to go to my car,” says one resident who did not know Julie.
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“Absolutely disgusting it shouldn’t happen. I’m only 18 and if that can happen to a 53-year-old mother who knows what can happen to me next?”
Locals are outraged, and say it’s time to make Newton a safer community.
Barinder Rasode, Surrey city councillor, says for a number of years residents and businesses have raised concerns about living in Newton. “I think one of the things that’s really important is stats don’t matter,” she says. “The reality of the people that live in the community matters.”
She says increasing the police presence would be a big step for the residents of the area. “Also we need to look a little bit as a city how we’ve done our land use in the area,” she says. “Unfortunately the city has put a gaming centre in the centre of Newton where we are burdened by a number of recovery homes that we’re advocating the province start regulating. We need the federal government to work with us on prolific offenders, and you know, cheque cashing places right by ministry of social services offices, where unfortunately residents tell me that vulnerable people aren’t even able to go cash their cheque to get food because somebody’s waiting there, on a bike, ready to victimize them again and cash their cheques in for drugs.”
“The time for talk is over.”
Rasode says this incident has violated a sanctuary of safety in the community as it took place at a community centre where people send their kids and come as a family and expect to feel safe.
READ MORE: Surrey RCMP issue warning after similar attack on woman in Newton 2 weeks ago
On Thursday and Friday a Police Command Post will be parked at the Newton Arena with investigators canvassing the neighbourhood for more tips. On Saturday Surrey RCMP Auxillary Officers will be out putting up posters asking the public for assistance.
“We need the public’s continued support and assistance to solve this crime.” says Sgt. Adam MacIntosh of IHIT.
IHIT is asking anyone with information on who was in the area of the Newton Arena, Newton bus loop and the Newton Wave pool between 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. on December 29 and may have seen any suspicious activities, persons or vehicle to call the tipline at 1-877-551-4448.
GALLERY: A memorial to Julie Paskall:
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