A school division in southern Alberta says one of its teachers, who was a victim in a double homicide over the weekend, will be deeply missed by colleagues, friends and students.
In a statement Tuesday, Rocky View Schools said Ania Kaminski had been working as a teacher at an elementary school in Cochrane, northwest of Calgary, before she was killed Sunday.
She previously worked at an elementary school in Airdrie and a high school in Springbank.
“We offer our sincerest condolences to all who are impacted by Ania Kaminski’s death,” the statement said.
“She will be deeply missed by many colleagues, friends and students at Rocky View Schools. We are grateful for the positive impact Ania had on the lives of our students and staff over the years.”
Police said a woman in her 30s and a man in his 70s, the woman’s father, were found dead at two separate locations in Calgary, sparking a manhunt for Kaminski’s spouse.
On Tuesday, police confirmed to CBC News that the male victim’s name was Stainslaw Wardzala and the woman was his daughter, Kaminski.
Late on Monday, police found the body of the suspect, 38-year-old Benedict Kaminski, near his vehicle parked in a rural area 80 kilometres northwest of Calgary.
He was not previously known to police and had no prior criminal convictions, Insp. Lee Wayne told reporters Monday.
Motive for killings under investigation
Wayne said investigators were working to determine a motive for the killings but that they were believed to be targeted.
The school division said it’s offering sincere condolences to all those impacted and it’s working to support students and staff.
“Families have been made aware of supports available in our schools for any students who may need them,” the division said. “We encourage parents/guardians to reach out to their school’s administrators to discuss the needs of their students.”
A GoFundMe page started by a family friend identified the woman as Ania Wardzala-Kaminski. By Tuesday afternoon, it had raised more than $120,000 to support her three children, calling her a beloved mom, daughter, sister and friend.
Police said the children are safe. Autopsies for both victims are to take place Friday.
