“This has never happened in our community … and we are just shaken by what has happened,” said Father Goitom Mengesha, addressing a gathering of mourners in Calgary.
On May 1, 2026, the Calgary Eritrean community found itself united in grief after the tragic deaths of two young children—a five-year-old boy and a three-year-old girl. Their father now faces two counts of first-degree murder, following a harrowing call to 911 where he admitted to killing his children.
The children were discovered in a vehicle parked in Calgary’s northwest area. The family had been living together under joint custody arrangements for six years. Unfortunately, police had been called to their shared residence four times during that period, indicating a troubled relationship.
Adanech Sahilie, a close friend of the family, shared her concern for the children’s mother. “It’s really hard for mom. She doesn’t have any family members in Canada,” she noted, emphasizing the isolation felt by those grieving.
Dozens from the Eritrean community gathered to offer support and mourn the loss. The event coincided with African Vaccination Week, highlighting child health initiatives back in Eritrea, where vaccination coverage has reached an impressive 98%, significantly reducing child mortality rates.
Key facts about the tragedy:
- A father has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
- The victims were a five-year-old boy and a three-year-old girl.
- The parents had a history of police involvement at their residence.
- The children were found deceased inside a vehicle.
This heart-wrenching incident serves as a reminder of the challenges many families face. As community members come together to support one another, they also reflect on the importance of child health initiatives—echoing this year’s theme for African Vaccination Week: “Let Parents and the Community Work in Collaboration for Ensuring the Health of Our Children.” The next steps will be crucial as both legal proceedings unfold and community healing begins.
