An entire family and their renter, five people in all, were wiped out and Dalhart Hill residents in Calgary’s northwest struggled yesterday, shedding tears and sharing hugs as they tried to come to grips with the horrendous reality of it all.
As an army of police officers, media and ambulances descended on the serene, tree-lined streets of the community, neighbours cried in their living rooms, stared out picture windows and bellied up to the yellow police tape, trying to get all the information they could.
Ricardo Albino, 38, stood on his front lawn, clutching his one-and-a-half-year-old daughter tight, feigning a greeting smile while his five-year-old son ran around, seemingly unaware of the disaster that had befallen the community.
Albino’s five-year-old son played in the same soccer league as the six-year-old daughter of the slain family.
He was stunned and saddened to hear of such a horrific crime occurring just doors down.
“I don’t really know how to deal with it,” he said. “I’m absolutely shocked. They were a lovely couple, great with the kids, really friendly, happy people.”
“It’s a little intense, it hits far too close to home,” added his wife Mia, holding back tears, running her fingers through her year daughter’s hair.
“I can’t actually believe that would happen, all I can think is someone came in and did that, I just don’t understand.”
