Community members gathered at the Killaloe & Area Lions Club tonight to honour the three women killed across the Ottawa Valley.
Workers from both Renfrew County Victim Services and Renfrew County Sexual Assault Centre were at the gathering to support those in attendance.
“It’s to mourn the loss of the three women, to seek companionship, to seek resources, and for people to know they’re not alone at a time their hearts are breaking,” said Lisa Oegema, the Executive Director for Renfrew County Victim Services.
Brian Tyrrell said he was there to honour all three women, but that he shared a close friendship with one of the victims, Nathalie Warmerdam.
Tyrrell told CTV Ottawa that he feared for Warmerdam after he heard the news of that first fatal shooting.
“I called OPP and they said we have the residence covered, but I didn’t realize that she was already dead,” he said.
Those in attendance hope these three murders bring about change.
“Certainly the person taken into custody was known so you have to wonder why do we not have a better system,” said Rose-Anne Boucher, who knew one of the victims.
Support workers hope to shed light on those answers.
“There are community services available to reach out to victim services, the women’s sexual assault centre, the women’s shelter, but there are people here to listen and to support in any way that would be meaningful,” said JoAnne Brooks with the Renfrew County Victim Services.
