Mother responsible for child’s death in Temple: Calgary police

Calgary police say the deaths of two people in the city's northeast are an apparent murder-suicide.

Warning: This story contains mention of suicide. Resources are included below.

Calgary police say the deaths of two people inside a home in the community of Temple on Wednesday appears to be a murder-suicide.

Police attended the home in the northeast community for a welfare check on a resident.

Officers found a 42-year-old woman and seven-year-old boy deceased upon entering.

An autopsy conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner deemed the death of the boy, 7, was a homicide.

The death of the woman, the boy’s 42-year-old mother, was a suicide, police said.

Police believe she is responsible for her son’s death and are not looking for any other suspects.

“This is a tragic and traumatizing event,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Rahn. “We recognize that this affects not only the family of the victims, but members of the wider community as well.”

Police will not be releasing the identities of the deceased.

There was no reported history of family violence, police said.

In a statement to CTV News, the Calgary Board of Education confirmed the boy was a student at Annie Foote School.

“It is with a heavy heart that I pass along information that impacts our school community (as) we have learned of the death of one of our students,” a message shared with the school community said.

Calgary police say anyone experienced family abuse is encouraged to seek support in ways that feel safe for them.

Anyone can call 211 to receive free, confidential help.

• Additional resources for those experiencing family violence or requiring mental health services are available through:
• The Domestic Violence and Abuse Helpline is available 24/7 at 403-234-SAFE (7233).
• FearIsNotLove co-ordinates the Men& program offering a variety of resources for men at 1-833-327-MENS (6367).
• The LUNA Child and Youth Advocacy Centre provides co-ordinated support for children and youth who have experienced abuse, as well as their families. Referrals to LUNA are made through partner agencies, including the CPS Child Abuse Unit.
• The Government of Alberta’s Family Violence Info Line (310-1818), is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages anywhere in Alberta. If phone calls are not available, the Alberta Safety Chat Line is available between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. MST in English.
• Anyone experiencing family violence can contact the Calgary Police Service anytime by calling the non-emergency line at 403-266-1234, or 9-1-1 if in immediate danger. 
• Distress Centre Calgary: Offers 24/7 crisis support by phone at 403-266-HELP (4357), as well as text and chat services. Free counselling is also available.
• Kids Help Phone: Provides free, confidential support for young people aged 5–20. Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.
• The Summit: walk-in mental health services are available from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekends.Address / Contact: 1015 – 17 Street NW, Calgary,587-534-7200 and [e-mail]
• Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline (Call or text 988)
• Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566 or text 45645)
• Kids Help Phone [phone])
• If you need immediate assistance, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.