School communities grieve loss of students after two boys found dead in Saint John

A school is in mourning after two boys were found dead in Saint John, N.B.

A school in Saint John, N.B., shared news of the passing of one of their students Friday -- two days after he was murdered.

On Wednesday, Saint John Police responded to a home at the end of Skaling Court in the city’s north end. Upon arrival police forced entry into a unit where they found the bodies of a 10-year-old boy and 17-year-old boy.

A 46-year-old man was taken to hospital with life-threating injuries and remains in custody. He is facing two counts of first-degree murder, although he has not yet made an official court appearance.

The accused and victims were known to one another, but police have not released their relationship, nor the nature of the incident.

Late Thursday, Millidgeville North School notified the families of the students death in an email.

“Although we have limited information about this tragedy, we know this loss is sure to raise many emotions and questions for our entire school, especially our students,” principal Dennica Edgett wrote parents in an email obtained by CTV News.

“We have a response plan to help us in this situation and we will have additional guidance supports at the school tomorrow to help with the needs of our students and staff at this difficult time. Our staff are always available for any student who may want help or to talk about their feelings.”

The school did not publicly identify the boy.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss to our school community and will make every effort to help our students at this sensitive and difficult time,” says Edgett. “Our thoughts and condolences are with the student’s family, community, and all those affected by this great loss.”

Saint John Mayor Donna Reardon offered her condolences on social media in wake of the tragic news.

“It is with a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences to the family during this incredibly difficult time,” Reardon said in a post to Facebook.

“The loss of two young lives is heart-wrenching for everyone involved. My thoughts are with you, and I stand with our community in support. The Saint John community is united in offering comfort, strength, and love as we face this tragic event together.”

Police remain on scene as of Friday as the investigation continues. CTV reached out to police for an update on the condition of the accused but did not receive a response.

On Thursday during a news conference, Staff/Sgt. Sarah Hobbs told reporters no further updates would be given in relation to the case at this time.

“Although we recognize that there’s public interest in this case, to protect the integrity of this investigation and the upcoming court proceedings, the Saint John Police Force will not be providing any further details,” Hobbs told reporters Thursday.

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