Arrest made after fatal school stabbing in Abbotsford
By Contributor
On Nov. 1, just after 2 p.m., the Abbotsford Police Department attended a local Senior Secondary School for what was called in as an assault-in-progress.
Upon attendance, Abbotsford first responders located a suspect who was being physically restrained by school staff members. This individual was taken into custody by police and the school was placed on immediate lock down in order to assess further risk and locate any additional victims or suspects.
Two female victims were located at the scene with injuries consistent with an edged weapon. Both females were immediately transferred to hospital and despite all medical efforts, the 13-year-old girl succumbed to her injuries.
The second victim, a 14-year-old girl, remains in hospital and is reported to be in stable condition but will have a lengthy physical and emotional road of recovery ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of both girls.
IHIT has received charge approval and will continue to work in partnership with the Abbotsford police department to gather further evidence. Although it is early, evidence suggests this incident to be random. We do not believe the suspect has ties to this school, or to the two girls, or specifically to the Abbotsford area.
The accused has been identified as 21-year-old Gabriel Brandon Klein. Klein is facing charges of Second Degree Murder and Aggravated Assault.
The selfless actions by the Abbotsford Senior Secondary staff should be acknowledged and commended, as well as the efficient work by the Abbotsford Police Department for their quick response and containment of the scene.
We would also be remiss if we did not acknowledge the cooperation from all staff and students in place. This tragedy has left heavy hearts amongst all of them, and we would be remiss if we did not acknowledge all of you and thank you for your great cooperation through this.
Klein is of no fixed address and has been known to frequent the Vancouver area since February/March of this year. Prior to landing in Vancouver, he was known to be in the Alberta area.
We are asking anyone that has had contact with Klein, whether it be social media, email, or face-to-face, to bring information forward to investigators.
