Calgary—via The Gauntlet
University of Calgary students woke up Tuesday morning, April 15, to the tragic news that five people had been stabbed to death at a house party in the early hours following Bermuda Shorts Day.
Four men and one woman died of stab wounds: three died at the scene while two died from their injuries in hospital. The names of the victims have not yet been released.
Four of the victims were from Calgary, while the fifth was from Priddis, a community south of the city.
Police arrested a suspect, believed to be 23-year-old Matthew de Grood, with the help of a K-9 unit after he fled the scene. According to de Grood’s Facebook page, he was a recent U of C graduate with a degree in psychology. He had been accepted to the faculty of law and was expected to return to the university in the fall.
The victims had been partying at a house in Brentwood to celebrate the last day of classes of the school year, festivities known as Bermuda Shorts Day.
Calgary Police Service chief of police Rick Hanson called the slayings the “worst mass murder in Calgary’s history.”
Charges are expected to be laid Tuesday afternoon. Hanson said the suspect will likely face charges of first-degree murder.
Students’ Union president Raphael Jacob offered his condolences in a statement released earlier today.
“We are shocked to learn of the senseless tragedy that occurred early this morning on the 100 block of Butler Cres. NW. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families and friends of all those affected,” read the release.
Additional counselling staff will be made available at the SU Wellness Centre for all affected students.
University administration is allowing easier exam deferrals for any students affected by this tragedy with options to defer to scheduled times. Extended deferral dates have been provided from Monday June 23 to Wednesday June 25.
