More than a hundred people gathered in front of the RCMP detachment on Victoria Street on Monday to walk in honour of Christin Marion West who was murdered in her own home over the weekend.
On Saturday, Aug 7, police attended West’s apartment on the 2000 block of 20th Ave after her family reported her missing.
Police then discovered the 36-year-old’s body and immediately began a homicide investigation. Shortly after, investigators arrested Dennis Daniel Gladue in connection to the homicide.
West’s family, friends, and supporters gathered at the RCMP detachment to mourn together and walk to her apartment on 20th Avenue.
She was Indigenous and a member of the Khast’an Drummers who have performed traditional drumming at many cultural events in the city.
While holding signs reading “Justice for Christin” and “Indigenous Lives Matter” the group drummed and sang in her honour as they walked through downtown to West’s apartment.
“My beautiful sister Christin. She was taken from us far too soon. She had a huge life to live,” said her sister Nicole.
“She was a good person. A good soul. She did not deserve to be taken from us and we need to start banding together and protecting our sisters. We are going to keep losing them if this keeps happening.”
Nicole added that West had recently reported her phone stolen and that she didn't think the RCMP cared.
Prior to her murder, West posted online about being stalked because she "refused to be somebody's girlfriend" and felt that she wasn't believed by the police.
(RCMP later issued a statement saying they received a complaint from Christin West in July about a different individual and that a thorough investigation into the matter was conducted.
"Police spoke to all of the individuals identified through the course of the investigation," RCMP said. "Ultimately, there was not enough evidence to support charge recommendations and, as an alternative, safety plans were discussed with all parties involved.")
“This needs to end. We need to create an alliance with the RCMP so that we are all on the same page in getting justice. That needs to be the focus is justice.”
West’s mother Beatrice also spoke to the crowd, thanking everyone for their support.
“It’s not easy for any parent to lose a child. She was such an outgoing person and an outgoing girl in her life. She loved to get along with everyone when she can,” said Beatrice.
“They took her from me. My baby, they took her from me. Do these people care that they took her from me? Or any other parents? Justice will be served. Like my daughter said it should be done right. The cops are trying.”
West’s other sister Candace also thanked the crowd for their support.
“My baby sister. She deserves justice and she will get it. She didn’t deserve this. Nobody does. My sister, she never harmed no one. I am so heartbroken, and I am so happy with all of the support you guys are showing us all.”
The march ended with a performance of the Women’s Warrior Song.
Christin West was the city's fifth homicide victim of 2021. Gladue was charged with second-degree murder and will remain in custody until his next court appearance.
