Vigil honours victims a week after mass shooting in Winnipeg’s West Broadway neighbourhood | CBC News

Family members, friends and community members gathered at a Langside Street rooming house Sunday afternoon to remember the lives of four people who were killed there a week ago, and another who remains in hospital.

Mourners placed roses, stuffed animals and candles on the steps of the rooming house in Winnipeg’s West Broadway area along with a white banner bearing the names of four people who were killed on Nov. 26: Crystal Shannon Beardy, 34, Stephanie Amanda Beardy, 33, Melelek Leseri Lesikel, 29, and Dylan Maxwell Lavallee, 41.

The event was marked by drumming and song as the community begins to heal. 

“The family’s taken it very hard, and it’s so hard on the community as well,” said Thelma Roulette, great aunt of the Beardy sisters. “Even with the other families that lost their children, too, it’s a big loss to the community, so we’re trying our best to help everybody with the drumming and singing. It helps the spirits move on as well.” 

Roulette said she was honoured to see so many people at the vigil . She described Crystal and Stephanie as jokesters who were friendly and helpful to anyone. 

Their mother, Beverley, said Stephanie lived with her at Lake St. Martin First Nation. She remembered her daughter always had a pot of tea ready for her. 

“I’m still very, very, very hurt that my two daughters are gone,” she said.” I’m gonna miss them a lot.”

The vigil was organized by the West Broadway Bear Clan. Co-ordinator Angela Klassen said the community, while very resilient, has gone through a “huge struggle” over the past week, while adding that the vigil helps begin the healing process. 

Arrest brings relief

Winnipeg police have arrested and charged Jamie Randy Felix, 32, with four counts of second-degree murder in the shooting. The accused is also charged with attempted murder:  A fifth victim remains in hospital.

Felix was arrested at 6:30 a.m. on Friday at a home on Fernwood Avenue, Insp. Jennifer McKinnon said at a news morning conference the same day. 

Gardina Prince, Lesikel’s partner of almost two years, said he was sweet, kind-hearted and always polite. 

Prince left dream catchers for the four people who were killed and the person who remains in hospital. Prince also put up a poster of Lesikel at the scene. 

“He had a lot of friends, he was loved, very kind,” Prince said. “He had goals and he had dreams and, unfortunately, he didn’t get a chance to achieve them.” 

Prince said she knew the Beardy sisters growing up, and had also known Lavallee. She was happy to see the support for all the victims at Sunday’s vigil. 

“I’m glad that there’s people here supporting each other, that families are here,” Prince said. “This is what we need to do — we need to pull together for everybody, no matter what part of life you walk.”

Roberta Owen, an aunt to the Beardy sisters, read a statement to reporters on behalf of her sister, Beverley. The statement thanked first responders for the long hours of work they put after the shooting and the days that followed. 

Owen said the family is relieved an arrest has been made, but they still have lots of questions. She said they’re praying the victim who is still in hospital survives to share his story, “hopefully something will come from his story, too.”