LETHBRIDGE – It was exactly one year ago Laurie English-Winters was forced to identify the slain bodies of her children.
In the early morning of April 28, 2015, her 24-year-old daughter Clarissa English and 18-year-old son Dakota English, were violently murdered at a west Lethbirdge townhouse complex along with their friend, 27-year-old Kyle Devine.
“I know I have to accept the fact that I’m not going to see them today and everyday that’s a struggle for me,” English-Winters said.
The horrific crime shocked southern Albertans. While time may have erased the event from some people’s memories, for the family of the victims, the images remain fresh in their minds.
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“Clarissa was my best friend in the whole world,” English-Winters explained. ” To not be able to see her or call her or hold her is difficult. I miss those moments of me holding my son and cuddling him.”
Now, English-Winters fills her home with pictures and sentimental symbols of her children .
“The pictures that I have bring back the good memories.”
She called her loss “immeasuarable”and said she relies on her deep First Nations spirituality to cope with the pain.
“Having faith that the justice system is going to do their part,” she said. “I pray and pray that justice will be served.”