Calgary police have reported the unfortunate death of a woman with apparent stab wounds in what they suspect was a targeted incident in Strathcona Park.
Responding to reports around 7:40 a.m. of an incident outside an elementary school on Strathcona Drive Southwest, officers discovered a severely injured woman. Despite their immediate life-saving efforts, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene, and authorities believe the incident to be targeted.
Duty Insp. Scott Nielson conveyed that the Calgary Police Service (CPS) believes the incident is of a domestic nature. To safeguard the privacy of the family, the identity of the deceased woman will not be disclosed even after the autopsy.
The suspect has been identified as Kerry Girling, a self-proclaimed motivational speaker, with previous charges and an active no-contact order. Girling faced charges of sexual assault in July 2023 and was scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 6 for the assault charge and for failing to comply with release orders from September and November 2023.
Police, EMS, and fire vehicles were visible in the area just after 8 a.m. on Tuesday, and investigators remained on the scene into the afternoon, conducting interviews and collecting evidence for the ongoing investigation.
While issuing a social media warning earlier, CPS assured the public that there was no risk to public safety. Authorities were initially searching for a white Honda SUV connected to the incident but later confirmed its discovery.
The Calgary Catholic School District, responsible for John Costello Catholic School in Strathcona Park, announced the closure of the school for the day due to an “isolated incident.” All students and staff are reported safe, and classes are expected to resume on Wednesday. The CPS reiterated their focus on the well-being and safety of those directly involved and impacted as the investigation continues.