RCMP brass briefed media this morning on several recent traumatic incidents affecting the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor.
The news conference was billed as an update on the trio of tragedies last week affecting the central Newfoundland community.
But with sensitive investigations ongoing, the focus was clearly and rightly on supporting those directly affected, and efforts to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
RCMP Superintendent Paul Peddle said the two shootings, while unrelated, were both incidents of intimate partner violence.
To that end, he urged anyone with information on those events, or knowledge of other similar circumstances, to say or do something in the name of prevention.
The shootings occurred in private homes within 36 hours of each other in Grand Falls-Windsor, on Wednesday and Friday of last week.
The first occurred mid-afternoon on Main Street. The female victim remains in stable condition while the suspect was found dead nearby a short time later, and a gun recovered.
The scene on Crescent Heights in Grand Falls-Windsor as police continue their investigation
The second shooting was reported just before 5:00 a.m. on April 10th. The victim was found dead inside and Ivan Loder was arrested at the scene and charged with first-degree murder.
Town also dealing with loss of two young people in highway crash
Meanwhile, the investigation continues into a two-vehicle crash on the highway near Bull Arm, which claimed the lives of two young people with ties to central.
Peddle said it’s too soon to say if any charges will be laid in connection with that crash.
Photo via Town of Grand Falls-Windsor website.
A lot of residents with heavy hearts says mayor
The violent incidents are the latest tragedies to affect the community.
Grand Falls-Windsor Mayor Mike Browne says the town is still reeling from the loss of two young people in a recent highway collision, and the loss of a respected community member.
“There’s a lot of people in Grand Falls-Windsor with heavy hearts” says Browne “and are having a difficult time comprehending what’s transpired over the last two weeks.”
He says the town and province have supports in place for anyone who needs to talk.
“They can visit the local hospital, there’s been (mental) health services there. We’ve got some programs in Grand Falls-Windsor, one is called Doorways, which offers ‘rapid access counselling.'”
He also encourages people to call 811, or lean on friends, family or professionals if they’re feeling the weight of recent events.
