Rick Bercier, the step-father of murder victim Vicky Shachtay, issued a statement to the press on Tuesday.

On Sunday, RCMP arrested Brian Malley of Innisfail for the 2011 bombing that killed 23-year-old Shachtay.

Bercier says he has to forgive Malley in order to move forward:

"When Vickie died in November, I openly forgave the person, because that's in my nature. I can't live with that blackness in my heart, particularly now that I have Vickie's seven year old daughter who is now dependent on me. This has been a very distressing time for me and to discover that the person they have charged is someone we know is unthinkable. I asked my pastor be my spokesperson, so that I can spend my energy dealing with this very painful private matter."

RCMP arrested Brian Malley, 55, of Innisfail on Sunday in relation to the November 15, 2011 bombing that took the life of 23-year-old Victoria Shachtay.

Shachtay was living with her young daughter, Destiny, and a live-in care worker when the explosion happened.

The care giver was not injured and Destiny was not at home at the time of the explosion.

Malley was arrested at his home and is charged with:

• First Degree Murder

• Causing an explosion of an explosive substance likely to cause serious bodily harm, death or serious damage to property

• Sending or delivering to a person an explosive device

Shachtay, was confined to a wheelchair following a 2004 car crash and was killed when a parcel delivered to her home exploded.

"The murder death of a vulnerable young mother, like Victoria Shachtay, came as a shock to the citizens of this community, who like all Canadians, strive to protect those who are less able to protect themselves," said Supt. Curtis Zablocki Central Alberta District of Alberta's RCMP.

Over 70 officers are involved in the case including explosive experts.

Malley was once Shachtay's financial advisor and was also a peace officer. Shachtay was reportedly living off a $645,000 settlement she had received from her car accident. Malley had been in financial trouble, and had even declared bankruptcy in 1987.

Brian Malley is currently in custody and will be back in court in July for a bail hearing.