Funeral held for 3 children killed in intimate partner violence in the Sault

Sault declares intimate partner violence epidemic Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., is joining other cities by declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic following last week's tragedy.

A private funeral has been held for three Sault Ste. Marie children killed by their father last month in a murder-suicide.

Their family published an obituary Friday, which identified the young victims as 12-year-old Abigail ‘Abbie’ Rose Hannah Marie Hallaert, seven-year-old Alexandra ‘Ally’ June Elizabeth Hallaert and six-year-old Nathaniel ‘Nate’ John Henrik Hallaert.

“Tragically on Oct. 23, 2023, our angels received their wings at the gates of heaven,” the obituary reads.

“We offer our heartfelt thanks to the first responders, the Sault Ste. Marie City Police, Victim Services Algoma and to all those who have reached out to us during this difficult time.”

What police have described as a case of intimate partner violence began around 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 23, when the 44-year-old gunman – later identified as Bobbie Hallaert – shot and killed his ex-girlfriend, Angie Sweeney, at a residence on Tancred Street before driving to his home on Second Line East. Once there, he murdered his three children and killed himself.

The children’s mother was also shot and was seriously wounded.

The rampage devastated the community and propelled the Sault into the national spotlight. It also sparked conversations around intimate partner violence, which Sault Ste. Marie has declared to be an epidemic.

Last Friday, the community gathered for a candlelight vigil to honour the victims, along with victims of other recent tragedies in the Sault.

Sweeney’s family and friends are holding a celebration of life at Grand Gardens on Saturday.