Zack Rathwell, Josh Hunter, Jordan Segura, Lawrence Hong and Kaitlin Perras murdered in Calgary, Canada

A terrible tragedy unfolded in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on April 14, 2014.

About 20 people were at a house party celebrating the end of the current term at the University of Calgary. The party was more of a gathering than a raunchy blow-out. There was no outrageous music and no people falling down drunk on the street. It was a relatively tame get-together for a group of that size. 

Kaitlin Perras; Josh Hunter, Jordan Segura

Lawrence Hong; Zackariah Rathwell; Matthew de Grood

A young man, Matthew de Grood, age 22, was invited to the party. He showed up just after 1:00 a.m. straight from work at a local grocery store. He had some sort of weapon with him when he showed up.  He then got a large knife from within the house, presumably from the kitchen. Shortly after he arrived at the house, he methodically went after the victims one after another. 

He stabbed and killed the following people:

Zackariah Rathwell, age 23, a member of a local band called Zackariah and the Prophets. He is described as an esteemed first year student at the Alberta College of Art and Design. Friends called him Zack. He was a happy kid, just starting out in life.

Joshua Hunter, age 22, from Priddis, Alberta, a drummer with the local band called Zackariah and the Prophets. He was known as Josh to his friends. He is described as somewhat quiet, smiling and caring of others. He was studying accounting at the University of Calgary and planned to resume working at a local hotel after exams.

Jordan Segura, age 23, of Calgary. He was studying religion and history at the University of Calgary. He is remembered by his family for his ability to light up a room. He had a heart of gold and a passion for life and for knowledge. He made others smile. He had worked part time at a local funeral home. His coworkers there stated that he was well liked and pleasant to work with.

Lawrence Hong, age 27, an urban studies student at the University of Calgary. Friends describe him as genuine and kind. He was a free spirit.

Kaitlin Perras, age 23, from Calgary. She was known as Kaiti to her friends. She had attended Bishop Carroll Senior High School. She liked animals and liked to read.

All of the victims are described by the Police as good kids who

Angels of God, pray for Zack, Josh,
Jordan, Lawrence and Kaitlin.
Pray for their loved ones who have
lost them. 

had no criminal records. They weren't druggies or drug dealers or gang members.

There is no readily apparent motive for this tragic event.

Matthew de Grood has been charged with five counts of first-degree murder. He is a University of Calgary graduate and had completed a degree in psychology. He was recently accepted to the school’s law program for the Fall. His parents are devastated by his actions.

Obviously Matthew de Grood had a psychotic episode and will be found not guilty by reason of temporary insanity. However, Matthew de Grood can never be released into the general population again. He must be detained for the rest of his life. He has the demonstrated ability to slaughter bystanders and strangers, one after the other.

All of the victims of this tragedy are survived by many loving friends and family members who will forever mourn them. Oceans of tears will be shed for these young men and for this young woman.  The grief is palpable and so painful.

God save us from the Lost Ones who bring death to others.

Pray that Zack, Josh, Jordan, Lawrence and Kaitlin are in heaven. Pray that they are at peace and are with God. Amen.