‘My family are all broken-hearted’: Grandfather of Saskatoon homicide victim speaks out
Saskatoon is grappling with the tragic death of 24-year-old Melissa Duquette, whose body was discovered on April 15. A day later, police confirmed her death as a homicide, sparking deep sorrow and calls for action within the community.
Grant Beaudry, Duquette's grandfather, spoke about his granddaughter with a mix of pride and sadness.
"She was witty, beautiful, she was doing the best to stick to the right path," he said.
He described Duquette as "a vibrant beautiful young lady, with her whole life ahead of her".
Melissa Duquette’s body was discovered on April 15. A day later, Saskatoon police confirmed her death as a homicide. (Photo: submitted)
The family's grief was palpable as Beaudry shared the somber details of preparing for her funeral.
"My family are all broken-hearted. We're all dealing with her passing. I just came from the friendship center and the Westwood funeral home just brought her body today so we'll be having a service tonight," Beaudry said.
Beyond mourning, Beaudry also addressed the broader issue of violence and the systemic problems. He emphasized the importance of reclaiming identity and empowerment for Indigenous peoples.
"We have to gain back our identity and give them back their empowerment and pride for what it's meant to be an Indigenous person. What has been taken away from us by the system and residential schools," Beaudry said.
Beaudry advocates for solutions that involve traditional wisdom and community support.
"We have to live according to the laws of our nature, and our ceremonies, our beliefs. Only strong beliefs can set a path," Beaudry said.
The investigation into Melissa Duquette's homicide is ongoing. Her family, supported by community leaders, urges anyone with information to come forward and assist the Saskatoon Police Service in their investigation.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6973608.1721691615!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
2nd woman found dead in English Bay: Vancouver police
For the second time in as many days, a woman's body was found near Vancouver's shoreline Monday.
2 Albertans accused of threatening to kill Trudeau, Freeland, Singh
Men from Edmonton and Calgary are accused of threatening to kill some of Canada's top government leaders.
Athletes show off stylish and expensive team clothing for the 2024 Olympic Games
Canadian athletes attempting to reach the podium at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will also be looking fashionable for the entire world to see.
Harris has support of enough Democratic delegates to become party's presidential nominee: AP survey
Vice-President Kamala Harris has secured the support of enough Democratic delegates to become her party's nominee against Republican Donald Trump, according to an Associated Press survey taken in the aftermath of President Joe Biden's decision to drop his bid for re-election.
Four suicides in New Zealand linked to Ontario's Kenneth Law
New Zealand's coroner has ruled that four of its citizens died after ordering products from an Ontario man who is facing murder charges for selling poisonous substances.
Toronto woman charged with voyeurism after taking 'intimate' photos during massage: police
A Toronto woman who allegedly took 'intimate' photos of an individual who was getting a massage has been charged with voyeurism, police say.
IN PICTURES Here's what Calgary's new event centre 'Scotia Place' will look like
The name of Calgary’s new event centre was unveiled on Monday. The arena will be called Scotia Place.
Harris steps into the limelight. And the coconut trees and memes have followed
If you're trying to get up to speed on Vice President Kamala Harris' swift emergence as Democrats' possible nominee this fall, you really need to know your memes.
These are the four leading vice-presidential picks for Kamala Harris' campaign
No one knows the importance of selecting the right running mate better than Vice President Kamala Harris.