The mother of the seven-year-old girl who died Monday following a stabbing in south Edmonton says her daughter was “the most caring and compassionate little girl.”
“Her being was all about heartfelt sincerity. She was always humming and singing her own soul-filled lyrics around the house,” said Melissa Desrosiers on Wednesday afternoon, in a statement she read to media.
Bella Rose Desrosiers died of her injuries after a friend of her mother visited the family home at 25 Avenue NW and 43 Street NW on Monday evening.
Police were called to the home for a report of a stabbing. When they arrived, they found a girl with life-threatening injuries.
Despite lifesaving efforts from her mother and emergency crews, police said Bella succumbed to her injuries on scene.
David Michael Moss, 34, was later charged with second-degree murder.
He had a court appearance in Edmonton on Wednesday morning.
Bella is being remembered by her mother as a child who had a big heart and cared about those around her.
“What I ask you to focus on is celebrating the beautiful little girl that my daughter Bella Rose was and still is. Like her father, she had a huge, kind heart that truly enjoyed life.”
The Desrosiers family was a family of three; Melissa, Bella, and four-year-old Lily. The children’s father died last summer, when Melissa said Bella showed strength through the grieving process.
“We are so proud of the amazing resilience that she had and coping with the loss of her father last July,” Melissa said.
“She did this by using her honest, vulnerable and empathetic nature with everyone she met.
“Her soul was true, beautiful and unique. She will always be remembered as the lemonade stand girl in the community, which she ran annually in support of the Stollery.”
Melissa said her family has been supported by the Edmonton Police Service and Zebra Child Protection.
“The grief process is extremely difficult and it is through the support of family, friends, neighbours and community supports that we can find a path through this tragedy,” Melissa said.
“During this tragic and difficult time of mourning, each and every day, reach out to each other and embrace your children, families and communities. Know and understand when you or someone you love is struggling.”
Officers had arrested Moss at the home Monday evening without incident.
He had no prior criminal convictions, according to court documents.
Edmonton’s Medical Examiner completed an autopsy on Wednesday that confirmed Bella’s cause of death was due to sharp force injury.
A memorial has been growing at the southeast Edmonton home where the shocking incident happened.
“In honour of Bella, hold your loved ones tighter and bring love into all that you do,” Melissa said.
A GoFundMe has been started to support the family, as well as the organizations they have been relying on through this time.
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