Watch above: About 100 people attended a public vigil in Churchill Square Saturday afternoon to say goodbye to the victims of Edmonton’s mass murder. Eric Szeto reports.
EDMONTON — About 100 people, including several members of the Edmonton Police Service, attended a public vigil in Churchill Square Saturday afternoon to honour the victims of the worst mass murder in Edmonton’s history.
Mourners braved the snow and cold to pay their respects to Tien Truong, 35; her sister Ha Truong, 33; their parents, Dau Le, 55 and Dang Truong, 55; Tien’s son, Elvis Lam, 8; Ha’s daughter, Valentina Nguyen, 3; a friend of Tien’s, Viet Nguyen, 41; and Cyndi Duong, 37.
Several people spoke at the public vigil, including the pastor of the Edmonton Vietnamese Mennonite Church.
“I see the support of the entire community,” said Thomas Pham. “We want to care for each other and we don’t want this to happen to anyone.”
Those who attended the vigil laid flowers under framed pictures of the victims. There was also one empty frame, which represented the man responsible for the deaths. Phu Lam, 53, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
READ MORE: Timeline of the Edmonton mass murder
Edmonton’s police chief has referred to the mass murder as “tragic incidents of domestic violence.” While it’s a subject often kept hidden behind closed doors, domestic violence has been thrust into the spotlight since the tragedy took place nearly two weeks ago.
“It’s a huge tragedy and we don’t want to see anything like this ever, ever happen again,” said Police Chief Rod Knecht.
“It’s an opportunity for all of us to reflect upon this horrible tragedy and make sure we all contribute to making sure it doesn’t happen again.”
Over the last three years, the number of domestic violence cases reported to the EPS has remain relatively steady. Unfortunately, the majority of domestic abuse cases go unreported. Police want victims to know help is available. The hope is that by continuing to talk about the issue, and giving support agencies a greater chance to reach out, things will improve.
“It’s something that can only be addressed together,” said acting EPS superintendent Graham Hogg. “It’s communicating, it’s not having fear, it’s knowing who to turn to when you need help and then providing that help when it’s needed.”
“The extent of the damage that this has caused is unthinkable,” added Lily Le, president of the Edmonton Viets Association. “People kind of sweep it under the carpet. But now that it’s on this magnitude, of course we have to look at it from a different perspective and look at preventative measures.”
READ MORE: ‘Troubling’ number of domestic violence calls following Edmonton mass murder
While the tragedy will never be forgotten, those in attendance Saturday said the vigil is an important part of the healing process.
“For those immediately impacted by it, they’re never going to get over it, obviously that’s not going to happen,” said Knecht. “I think this just helps everybody move on as best they can.”
“This is the beginning for all of us,” added Le. “The shock wore off and we’ve come to terms with what happened. And now the healing process is beginning.”
Knecht said police are still interviewing people to try to determine why 37-year-old Duong was killed. Police have said she was not Lam’s intended target, but that he did not go to her home by accident.
Here are some resources for those in need:
Canadian Mental Health Association
Child Welfare League of Canada
Neighbours Friends & Families