Watch above: The Town of St. Paul is still trying to come to terms with the violence that broke out in their small community Friday evening. Shannon Greer reports.
EDMONTON – It was a sombre day in St. Paul Sunday, as many people in the community attended church for the first time since one of the town’s priests was killed.
Rev. Gilbert Dasna, who was ordained to the priesthood in 2009 and has served the St. Paul Cathedral since May 2011, died Friday night.
Parishioner Louise Reidy says she was feeling fairly melancholy heading into church Sunday.
“It’s very shocking. Father had a special place in all our hearts,” she said. “He was a very gentle, gentle soul. So it was very difficult.”
“He was a kind, considerate, a human person,” added Rudolph Waine. “He really took the people, the community to heart. He listened to what you said and he was caring, understanding. Just the type of person you just like to talk to.”
Dasna was reportedly found injured in the front doorway of the rectory around 6:00 p.m. Friday. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
“This is perhaps the biggest tragedy that I’ve experiences,” said St. Paul Cathedral Rector Gerald Gauthier.
READ MORE: Priest one of two men dead after wave of violence in St. Paul
Dasna’s death has been declared a homicide, although RCMP say it’s not known if his death is connected to an officer-involved shooting that left another man dead a few blocks away the same evening. Three Alberta Mounties were injured in the ordeal.
The man has been identified by RCMP as John Quadros. The 55-year-old man managed a local health and wellness store. People in the community say he was married and a father. They describe Quadros as a knowledgeable man who was serious and quiet.
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Reidy says she, like many in the small community, is still trying to comes to terms with what happened Friday.
“It’s very shocking, I mean, it’s not something you expect. It’s something you see in the movies, not something that happens in your home town, down your main street and to people you love.”
“It’s beyond belief,” Waine added. “I just could not believe that. It’s such a shock.”
The police tape surrounding the scene in downtown St. Paul was taken down Sunday.
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), which investigates all officer-involved shootings, has been called in to assist in the investigation.
Autopsies have been tentatively scheduled for Tuesday.
With files from Shannon Greer, Global News.
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