Calgary police investigate homicide outside SW school, suspect found dead in ‘domestic incident’

Calgary police say two people are dead after a suspected domestic incident outside a southwest Calgary school.

Around 7:40 a.m. officers were called to Strathcona Drive SW for an incident outside John W. Costello Catholic Elementary School.

Police say the incident is believed to be targeted.

The suspect was found dead nearby.

CityNews660 learned that children were allowed into the school Tuesday morning, though the road directly in front of the school was closed with police cruisers and tape.

Parents were later asked to pick up their kids from school.

Calgary police say one elementary school and one preschool were put into lockdown as a precaution. They don’t believe any staff or students were at risk at any time.

Fire and EMS also responded to the scene.

Officers remain on scene to gather additional information.

The identity of the deceased won’t be released at any point, even following the autopsies, police say, to protect the privacy of the family.

In an update Tuesday afternoon, Duty Inspector Scott Neilson of the Calgary Police Service said the suspect, who was found dead not far from the scene, was known to police and had previously been issued a no-contact order.

Police say this was a very “traumatic event” that happened in a public place.

The Victim Assistance Support Team is on scene to speak with anyone impacted by the incident.

In a statement to CityNews the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) says it’s thoughts and prayers are involved with everyone involved in the incident.

“The Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) is praying for all those involved in a critical incident that happened this morning prior to the start of classes, outside of John Costello Catholic School,” senior communications specialist Joanna French said. “The Calgary Police Service (CPS) is at the school today, responding to this isolated incident. To support CPS, John Costello Catholic School is closed today, and parents/guardians have been asked to pick up their children. All students and staff are safe.”

CCSD says classes are expected to resume on Wednesday, Jan. 17.