Security guard killed in Edmonton had only been on the job three days, family spokesperson says
The family spokesperson for Harshandeep Singh, the security guard who was tragically murdered while patrolling an Edmonton apartment building, has revealed that Singh had only been on the job for three days before his untimely death. Gagandeep Singh Ghuman shared that Harshandeep Singh was a young man from Haryana state in northern India who had come to Canada on a student visa about 18 months ago to attend NorQuest College.
Despite having family in Winnipeg, Singh’s aunt and uncle have traveled to Edmonton to mourn the loss of their nephew while his parents remain in India. The devastating news of Singh’s death has left his family grappling with an “unimaginable loss,” as they struggle to come to terms with the tragedy.
The 20-year-old security guard was found unresponsive by police officers who responded to a report of a gunshot inside the downtown building in the early hours of Friday morning. Despite efforts to save him, Singh later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. Two individuals, Evan Rain and Judith Saulteaux, both 30 years old, have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection to Singh’s death.
In response to the heartbreaking incident, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist with sending Singh’s body back to India for his final rites, as well as covering funeral expenses and legal costs. The overwhelming support from the community has raised over $120,000 to support Singh’s family during this difficult time.
Ghuman expressed the deep emotions that Singh’s family is experiencing, describing a mix of anger, sadness, and speechlessness at the tragic loss. Singh’s father is still struggling to accept the news, and his mother and elder sister have yet to be informed of the heartbreaking event.
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, they are urging anyone with information to come forward. It has been confirmed that no other suspects are believed to be involved, and a weapon was recovered during the arrests made in connection to the case. An autopsy is scheduled to take place on Monday to provide further insights into the cause of Singh’s death.
National Security Guard Protection Services, Singh’s employer, expressed their devastation over the incident and offered their condolences to his family and friends. Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also shared their sympathies for Singh’s loved ones, condemning the senseless act of violence that claimed his life.
Ghuman raised concerns about the training and awareness provided to security guards, especially newcomers to Canada like Singh, regarding the potential risks in certain neighborhoods. He emphasized the importance of educating individuals on safety precautions and situational awareness to prevent further tragedies like Singh’s unfortunate death.