SAINT JOHN — The death of 33-year-old Tanya Shand in late May has shaken the Kennebecasis Valley area.
Police said her death was the result of domestic violence and her partner Adam Lee Steven Prest was charged with second-degree murder.
Days later Prest died in the Saint John Regional Correctional Centre. Police did not suspect foul play.
Since Shand’s death Rothesay police as well as a domestic violence outreach program, KV Outreach, have fielded numerous calls from residents looking for information about domestic violence.
Shand left behind a young daughter and the community is looking to help her and a benefit is planned for June 23 at the Qplex in Quispamsis. All the money raised will go towards a scholarship fund.
A facebook group has been set up for the event and has already garnered over 5000 members.
Terri Kingston and Deanna King are organizing the event even though they never met Shand.
“We don’t have stories like that around here, we’re a pretty small town and it’s not often you have something so tragic happen here, so I think it’s a huge wake up call” says King.
Employees at Saint John Nissan are also giving up their day off on Saturday to hold a barbecue for Shand’s daughter.
Shand’s death hits close to home for a number of them who have small children of their own, like general sales manager Jeff Lewell.
“Being in a situation with a little girl who is in need and is left in this situation really kind of hits home to all of us,” says Lewell.
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