A Calgary non-profit that offers shelter for Black victims of domestic violence issued a statement of support Friday for a mother following the alleged murder of two children by their father.
Investigators believe a man murdered his two children shortly before midnight Wednesday, then brought the bodies to police in northwest Calgary 10 hours later.
A 37-year-old man was taken into custody.
The identities of the victims and the accused are protected by a publication ban, and they will not be named.
Police said it was the father who called them and that he confessed.
“The accused contacted 911 and stated that he had killed his children and gave his location,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Rahn.
The accused made his first appearance before a justice of the peace in court Friday morning.
He’ll remain in custody, at least over the weekend, until his next scheduled court appearance Monday morning.
The accused and the children’s mother were involved in a six-year, common-law relationship, police said, and had been separated for a little less than a year.
According to court records, he has no prior criminal charges or convictions.
There were no protective orders in place, but police said Friday that he was known to them.
“The couple had a domestic history with Calgary Police Service. On four instances, we had attended their communal address,” Rahn said.
“No charges were ever laid (and) there was never any violence against the children.”
Barely able to stand, the children’s mother was helped into St. Michael Eritrean Orthodox Church Friday.
Inside, members of the Eritrean community wept openly, mourning the loss.
“It has never happened in our community, and it is a devastation for us and the whole community,” said Goitom Mengesha with the Eritrean church.
“We are just shaken by what has happened here.”
Ruth’s House statement
Dee Adekugbe, who is the executive director of Ruth’s House, released the following statement later Friday.
“We are deeply heartbroken by the tragic loss of two innocent children in our community. This devastating incident has shaken families, community members, and all who hold the safety and well-being of children and families at the center of our shared humanity.
“Our hearts go out to the loved ones, extended family, and all those impacted by this unimaginable tragedy. We mourn with you. We stand with you.
“This loss reminds us of the urgent need to continue strengthening community supports around mental health, domestic violence prevention, and culturally responsive care. Many families, particularly within ethnocultural communities, navigate complex pressures including isolation, stigma, and barriers to accessing help. These challenges can remain hidden until it is too late.
“At this time, we call on all levels of government, community leaders, and service providers to work collaboratively to:
- Increase access to culturally appropriate mental health and crisis supports;
- Strengthen early intervention and prevention services for families;
- Address stigma around seeking help, particularly among men and fathers; and
- Invest in community-based organizations that are trusted within ethnocultural communities.
“We also encourage anyone who may be struggling, or who sees signs of distress in others, to reach out. Support is available, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. As a community, we must hold one another closer.
“We must listen more deeply. We must act with urgency and compassion to prevent such tragedies from happening again.”
Adekugbe founded Ruth’s House in 2022 and opened a women’s shelter for victims of domestic violence in 2024.
She is also a community leader and a pastor.
“Ruth’s House remains committed to providing safe, culturally grounded support for individuals and families experiencing crisis, violence, or vulnerability,” she said. “As the first ethnocultural emergency shelter and support service for Black families experiencing family violence in Calgary, we will continue to stand in the gap, offering care, connection, and hope.
“In this moment of grief, we ask the community to respect the privacy of the family and allow space for mourning,” she added. “Together, we grieve. Together, we stand. Together, we commit to change.”
With files from CTV News’ Damien Wood and Kevin Green
