Murder charges laid in stabbing death of student in Alberta high school

LEDUC (660 NEWS) – Murder charges have now been laid in the stabbing death of a high school student in Leduc, south of Edmonton.

RCMP confirmed Dylan Poutney, 19, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of a 17-year-old girl.

Family has since confirmed the identity of the girl as Jennifer Winkler.

The pain is still fresh in Leduc, as the community grapples with the unfathomable loss of 17-year-old Jennifer Winkler, who was killed inside this school. #yeg #yyc https://t.co/9TXJWu8ePA

— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) March 16, 2021

“Jennifer didn’t deserve this, and our family is beyond devastated. She was an amazing artist, was a fan of Japan, she played hockey. It’s just hard for me. I don’t know what to say, ” said Winkler’s older sister, Tracy Renee.

Mounties said the attack happened Monday morning in a classroom at Christ the King School in Leduc, which has about 350 students in Grades 9 to 12.

The girl was airlifted to an Edmonton hospital where she died of her injuries.

Insp. Dale Kendall said the two students were known to each other, but she won’t say if it’s believed that the attack was targeted.

WATCH: Teen killed in stabbing at Leduc high school, suspect in custody

All classes at the school have been cancelled for the week and the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School Division said a trauma support team will be there to assist staff and students in coping with the tragedy.

Meanwhile, Leduc Mayor Bob Young said one of the biggest priorities now is supporting students and staff at Christ the King School.

“I can’t imagine what the parents, what the staff and teachers and students are going through today. Leduc is a very supportive community and we will get through it.”

 

-With files from The Canadian Press