‘Peaceful’ ceremony in memory of six family members, killed in gruesome multiple homicide

A special alter with the name of all nine killed in Edmonton's mass murder was set out with food at a special prayer ceremony at the Truc Lam Monastery.

The six family members found murdered inside a north Edmonton home were laid to rest Tuesday afternoon at a downtown funeral chapel.

The traditional Buddhist ceremony will be held in the memory of Tien Truong, 35, her son Elvis Lam, 8, Tien’s sister Ha Truong, 33, and her daughter Valentina Nguyen, 3, and Tien and Ha’s parents Thi Dau Le and Van Dang Truong, both 55.

Police said the six, along with Tien Truong’s friend Viet Nguyen, 41, died Sunday, September 28 after Truong’s husband Phu Lam, 53, opened fire in a home located at 83 Street and 180 Avenue.

“The ceremony went very well, very peaceful, and lots of people,” Rev. Phap Hoa said. “[It brought] lots of tears and lots of support and comfort for the family.”

Tuesday’s funeral followed a Sunday service at a local monastery to honour the victims.

It’s believed mourners attending the ceremony may hear from Tam Nguyen, the husband of Ha Truong – he’s being given the opportunity to express his thanks for the support he’s receiving from the community.

Hoa said he believes Nguyen is the family’s only known adult relative in Canada.

“He knows that he needs to be strong and stable and solid, in order to take care of his son,” Hoa said.

The accused killer Phu Lam spared two children in the mass murder, Nguyen’s 8-month-old son and a one-year-old girl, believed to be the child of Lam and Tien Truong.

Now, members of the community are working on setting up a trust fund for both children.

On Monday, the eighth victim in the mass murder, Cyndi Duong, was remembered in a private service – and hundreds attended.

“In our prayers we remember that life is fragile,” Hoa said. “We are unable to tell what is going on for us tomorrow.”

With files from Veronica Jubinville and Laura Tupper