Derek Saretzky has left the hospital following a suicide attempt last Wednesday. Alberta Justice said the inmate who had been taken from the Lethbridge Correctional Centre last week had been returned to custody as of Monday.
Saretzky left the intensive care unit of Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge on Sunday, a source told Global News.
Saretzky’s lawyer did not immediately answer a request for comment from Global News Monday afternoon.
Saretzky faces two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Terry Blanchette, 27, and his two-year-old daughter, Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette.
Global News previously learned Saretzky was by himself in the shower when he attempted suicide. He was found in medical distress by guards, and transported to Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge for medical treatment.
The families of Terry and Hailey provided a statement to the Saretzky family Wednesday, writing they don’t condone the “vile and malicious epithets” being directed at the family.
“We find it abhorrent. It’s important that you know we bear you no ill will. And, we pray that you too find the path away from this tragedy toward peace and understanding.”
The Blairmore, Alta. man was taken into custody last Tuesday afternoon and charged Wednesday with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of committing indignity to a human body.
READ MORE: What we know about Derek Saretzky
His arrest followed the discovery of 27-year-old Blanchette’s body in a Blairmore home Monday morning, and the abduction of Hailey. The young girl’s remains were found last Tuesday.
READ MORE: Timeline of the abduction and murder of Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette and Terry Blanchette
Police have said Saretzky was an “acquaintance” of Blanchette, but refused to elaborate on the nature of the relationship.
Hailey’s mother, Cheyenne Dunbar, said she and Saretzky were friends, but haven’t been in touch for years.
“We were just close friends and I haven’t talked to him in three years. I haven’t talked to him at all. … When I knew him, he was a great kid.”
READ MORE: ‘She was my baby’ – Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette’s mother Cheyenne breaks down
With files from Global’s Nancy Hixt and Kim Tams
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