[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by Sample00

Well by now I suspect many of you have heard of the recent tragic event that has plagued the community that I call home.

Things like that aren't suppose to happen in small town Alberta. Hell, things like that aren't suppose to happen in any town or city.

On Saturday a young girl aged 14, while walking along a trail behind a subdivision was accosted and subsequently killed. The RCMP from town and from many of the surrounding areas have instituted a massive manhunt for the individual. The tragic incident has sent the town into a tizzy. Children and adults alike are frightened and the town has a strange feel to it.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the young lady that was murdered. Although, I did not know her, I know people that did and they described as cheerful, intelligent and talented individual. Her father was the Pastor at the local Baptist church. Her beliefs were strong. I understand she was a pleasure to know.

Fast Forward to today and yet another lady accosted at 1:30PM this afternoon. The lady in her early 20;s was attacked by a male in his mid 20's on a trail by the local Tim Hortons. A full blown manhunt is underway here in town as they search for the individual. Thankfully the lady was not hurt and was taken to hospital and subsequently released.

Schools are locked down. I was called to pick up my son even though my wife is the Vice Principal of his school. Children are terrified as are many adults.

This is not suppose to happen to small town Alberta. Has society changed so much that we are made to live in fear if we wonder outside?

Its pathetic and frustrating. Local RCMP is urging residents not to take a vigilante approach to this and they want residents to call 911 if they seem something.

Its hard not to get angry when this happens in your town. But I will say this, the RCMP dont get the credit they deserve. Some are running on fumes as they have had little to know sleep in trying to find the individual that attacked the 14 year old. NOW, they have to track down another suspect. The RCMP here have been a rock and they should really be give kudos for what they have done so far.

If it seems like I am rambling a bit, I probably am. I sit here angry and frustrated. I worry about my kids and my wife. Lets hope they get this guy soon.

I don't think so.
These are the actions of 1 person (presumably the same person in both incidents), and therefore cannot be used as a barometer of life in small town Alberta or anywhere else for that matter. In fact I'd say that the fear and outrage caused by this is an indication that for the most part small town Alberta is still a pretty safe place to live as something like this is out of the ordinary enough to shock the town.

It's a sad story, and hopefully the guy gets caught, and once he has, I'm certain live in Edson will return mostly to normal.