Family and Police Urge Return of Plaque Honoring Calgary Students Killed in Brentwood Party

On what would have been her 35th birthday, Gregg Perras visited the memorial park dedicated to his daughter, Kaitlin Perras, only to find that a bronze plaque memorializing all five victims of the 2014 Brentwood mass killing was missing. This plaque, which honored Kaitlin along with Lawrence Hong, Joshua Hunter, Jordan Segura, and Zackariah Rathwell, had been affixed to a rock in the Quinterra Legacy Garden in South Glenmore Park since its opening in 2020. Perras expressed his disgust at the loss, stating it felt like “getting hit in the gut.”

Police Urge Return of Memorial Plaque

Calgary police are calling on the individual responsible for the theft to return the plaque. Duty Inspector Shelby Stewart emphasized that they would appreciate any means by which the plaque could be brought back, whether through a police station or a drop-off in a secure location.

Details of the Incident

Five students lost their lives when Matthew de Grood fatally stabbed them at a house party in Brentwood in 2014. De Grood was later deemed not criminally responsible for his actions. While the theft of the plaque was reported on Thursday, authorities are unsure of the exact time it was taken.

Rising Concern Over Metal Theft

Stewart noted that metal thefts, particularly of plaques and signs, have surged in Calgary over the past five years. The rising prices of metals like brass, bronze, and copper have made such items attractive targets for thieves looking to sell them for scrap.

Hope for Recovery

Despite the theft, there is some optimism about the plaque’s return. Historical instances of stolen signs with sentimental value, such as war memorials, have occasionally led to their recovery as suspects struggled to profit from them. Kyle Tenove, who lost two bandmates in the attack, shared that the plaque’s removal not only signifies a loss but also reopens wounds for those impacted by the tragedy.

Memorial Significance

The Quinterra Legacy Garden serves as a space for remembrance and healing for families and friends of the victims. Tenove, now the director of programming for the Prophets of Music society, expressed hope for the plaque’s return while stressing the emotional toll this incident took on those who have been on a healing journey for almost 12 years.

• Victims:
  • Kaitlin Perras, 23
  • Lawrence Hong, 27
  • Joshua Hunter, 23
  • Jordan Segura, 22
  • Zackariah Rathwell, 21
• Date of Incident: 2014
• Location: Brentwood, Calgary

The community continues to mourn the loss and advocates for the plaque’s return to reaffirm the significance of remembrance in occasions of tragedy.