In the midst of unfathomable grief, the family of the three victims killed in a Brockville apartment last week is trying to find a semblance of normalcy. Andy Elliott, husband and father of the slain women, spoke publicly for the first time on Tuesday, describing the profound loss of his wife LouWanda and their daughters Mackayla and Nikita.
The Tragic Event
LouWanda Elliott, who would have turned 50 on Wednesday, was killed along with her daughters Mackayla, 17, and Nikita, 15, in their Cartier Court apartment. The murders are believed to have occurred late Wednesday, May 6, or early Thursday, May 7. Brockville police have charged a 17-year-old male with three counts of first-degree murder and assaulting a police officer. Police stated that a knife was used in the crime. The accused, whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, remains in custody with a next court appearance scheduled for May 28.
Family's Heartbreaking Account
Andy Elliott, 53, who works as a set dresser in Toronto for the television and film industry, was heading back to work when he received the devastating call from his daughter Harley. Initially told that LouWanda and Nikita were injured, he later learned from police that all three victims had been found dead in the apartment. Katherine Elliott, 16, who is six months pregnant, made the horrific discovery after waking up and calling 911. She had been asleep with a fan and television on, preventing her from hearing any disturbance.
The family described LouWanda as a kind and generous stay-at-home mom who previously worked in housekeeping. Mackayla was passionate about fashion and hoped to pursue studies in that field, while Nikita had a talent for nail art, crafting, and baking. "They were the kindest, gentlest, most loving, caring people that you would ever meet," Andy Elliott said. "It was basically a church without a chapel. It was a safe harbour for everybody."
Community Support and Vigil
The family is relying on a large support network as they cope with their grief. They have asked the public not to leave flowers or cards at the Cartier Court building, as those items have proven triggering. Instead, they suggest leaving tributes at the Women's Memorial on Blockhouse Island. A candlelight vigil is being planned, and a celebration of life will be held at Brockville Wesleyan Church on Friday at 2 p.m. The family requests no flowers and suggests donations to help with expenses related to the upcoming baby.
Andy Elliott acknowledged that the broader community is also suffering and needs an outlet for its pain. "It's not an easy thing. It probably won't be for a long time, to try and wrap our heads around," he said.
