REGINA – Saskatchewan’s latest homicide victim is tragically, once again, shedding light on a much greater social issue.
Lisa Strang was a long time employee of the Saskatchewan Party and her death has not only left family, friends and colleagues in disbelief, but the entire community she called home.
Tanja Wilson is a resident in McLean and said she’s never known something like this to happen in the quiet town.
“I think everybody is very shocked by it and cannot believed it’s happened here,” she said.
The 47-year-old victim’s body was found in her home Saturday.
Wilson said she lived there for 17 years with the man who’s now accused in her murder.
“They did help out if needed, but they just kept to themselves quite a bit,” she explained.
Other neighbours said they heard arguing coming from the home days before Lisa’s body was discovered.
Police announced they were searching for John Strang on Saturday and on Sunday night an RCMP member saw what was believed to be the suspect’s Jeep near North Battleford.
The off-duty Mountie called in back up before arresting him early Monday.
The news comes as a shock to loved ones, including Lisa’s colleagues at the Saskatchewan Party where she worked as the financial director for over a decade.
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“She was always happy and smiling and bubbly,” said party president James Thorsteinson. “When I think of Lisa I just think of her smile and how friendly she was.”
The office remained closed Tuesday and grief counselors are being brought in to help staff.
Premier Brad Wall also shared his condolences online: “Lisa was a dedicated member of our team.”
He adds, “her passing has left a hole in our Saskatchewan Party family.”
Though the situation is shocking, according to Amy Stensrud with the Regina YWCA, the apparent circumstances of this homicide are unfortunately not that uncommon.
“You never expect it to happen to someone you care about, however the stats tell us something else. Saskatchewan has the highest rate of all the provinces, the only rate higher is in the territories, of intimate partner violence.”
John Strang, 48, is charged with first degree murder and will make his first court appearance in Regina on Thursday morning.
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