The family of a man who was named by the Saskatchewan RCMP as a suspect in a shooting in Langham, Sask., say they are in disbelief and offer condolences to the victim’s family.
The Saskatchewan RCMP issued an emergency alert Friday morning after a shooting in Langham. One person was announced deceased later in the morning and police said they were looking for Justin Heimbecker, whom they named as a suspect.
RCMP says they located who they believed to be Heimbecker, dead, around 11:40am in a burned-out house in Langham.
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Donna Heimbecker, Justin’s aunt, said the family is still “very shocked and in disbelief” over the incidents that led to Justin’s death.
“We are still trying to come to terms with the reality of what happened,” Donna told Global News in an interview.
Donna described her nephew as a kind, loving and gentle soul who was the father of two young children.
Justin Heimbecker, 46, was the father of two young children.
Donna Heimbecker / Submitted Photo
“The things that happened are totally out of character for the Justin we all know and love. So it’s a tremendous shock to believe that he was capable of committing such violent acts,” Donna said.
Justin, 46, lived in Langham for several years with his young children and his partner. Justin worked in the oil fields at Fort MacMurray, Alta., according to Donna.
Saskatchewan RCMP has not provided any further details on the incident since Friday. They have not released the name, age or gender of the other deceased.
Donna said her family doesn’t know “exactly what happened” during the incident.
“We know that our family sends our deepest condolences and prayers to the family, friends and loved ones of this individual who so needlessly lost his life through this tragic incident,” Donna said.
“We are so very sorry for your loss and want you to know that we share your sadness as we all mourn the loss of our loved ones.”
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Donna said she got the first alert on Friday that still didn’t mention Justin’s name.
“I sent that to Justin and (Justin’s partner), asking if they were okay, because who would have thought it was my family.”
Donna said that Justin had been experiencing some issues in recent weeks and was looking for help.
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