CALGARY- With the city still in shock over a horrific attack at a northwest Calgary home that left five young people dead, there is widespread confusion over what prompted it.
Early Tuesday morning, four men and one woman were stabbed to death during a house party in Brentwood celebrating the end of the school year. Matthew de Grood, the son of a veteran Calgary police officer, has since been charged with five counts of first-degree murder.
The suspect’s lawyer says he’s very distraught.
“He’s in a terrible situation, and [these are] some horrible allegations,” says Allen Fay. “He’s a 23-year-old—young—man, it must be devastating for him…I think he’s aware but he’s overwhelmed.”
He adds de Grood’s family is also struggling to cope.
“Obviously they’re supporting their son in every way they can, and they asked me to say their hearts go out to the families of the victims. They are trying to get through this awful tragedy the best way they can.”
Calgary Police Chief Rick Hanson says he has spoken with de Grood’s family, who are also searching for answers.
“There were no warnings or indicators, there’s nothing at all that would have indicated that there was a possibility at all that something like this could happen.”
READ MORE: Police work to answer the ‘why’ behind Brentwood stabbing spree
De Grood is scheduled to undergo a psychiatric assessment, which police hope will provide more clues about what may have led to the attack. Mental health professionals say there is almost always some sort of motive.
“Nobody commits a crime like this for no reason, it’s just not within the realm of normal expected behaviour,” explains Dr. Marshall S. Korenblum, associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Toronto. “We may not know the reason yet, but I suspect that we will find there will be a reason.”
He says common reasons that young people can turn homicidal have to do with frustrations in the workplace, or relationships.
Chief Hanson says police officers continue to investigate what led to the attack, but are currently not able to release details to the public over fears of jeopardizing their investigation.
De Grood has been transported from hospital to the Calgary Remand Centre, where he is awaiting a court appearance scheduled for April 22.
-With files from Jill Croteau and Vassy Kapelos
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