Family of man who triggered Langham emergency alert ‘in shock and disbelief’

Donna Heimbecker says she is in utter disbelief after learning her nephew was at the centre of a tragedy in Langham that left two people dead.

“It’s definitely a tremendous shock. We’re experiencing some real heartbreaking feelings,” she said.

“We’re just trying to deal with it the best we can, considering the situation. We’re in shock, really in shock and disbelief of what took place.”

Justin Heimbecker, 46, triggered the emergency alert Friday after he was involved in a shooting that left a 38-year-old man dead. Soon after, Heimbecker was found dead inside his home that was destroyed by a fire.

On Monday, RCMP declared the incident a murder-suicide. The Mounties did not release the name of the second deceased man, only saying he and Heimbecker knew each other.

“We don’t know who this person was,” Donna said. “I don’t know who he was. That would be a question maybe for someone else. We haven’t heard details at all about who he is or anything.”

The town west of Saskatoon is still reeling from the event, according to Deputy Mayor Dylan Smart. He said it will take some time before his community can move forward.

“I know this tragedy will bring out every single emotion that you can possibly think of, but the ones that need to be present are love and understanding,” he said. “We cannot let this divide us”

Donna said Justin was more like a brother than a nephew to her. He came to live with their family after his mom died when he was two, she said, and he experienced the passing of many siblings over the years.

She said he was receiving treatment for anxiety and depression, but never showed any signs that he wasn’t able to manage his symptoms.

“It came out of nowhere. It was totally out of character for him. That’s why it’s so hard to believe,” Donna said.

“Had we known the struggles he was facing on that day, if there was something I could have done, I would have. But we just don’t know. We’re in the dark about what took place that day.”

Fundraiser

An online fundraiser was started on Sunday to support Justin’s partner Josie and their two sons.

“A series of tragic events in Langham led to a house fire in which my best friend and her two young children (ages 8 and 4) lost everything — including the children’s father,” a GoFundMe page said.

“Due to the circumstances surrounding this tragedy, there may be no possibility of claiming insurance for the house or the contents.”

The campaign, with a goal of raising $20,000 to help the family get back on its feet, had surpassed $14,000 by Tuesday afternoon.