It’s been almost two months since the violent murder of Shawn Douglas.
His family continues to mourn in private, but has decided at least some things must be said.
“This could happen to anyone,” said the victim’s brother-in-law Bruce, who didn’t want his last name used.
Douglas was married, a supervisor at his full-time job, and owned a house in the country. On Aug. 6, he was going about his regular routine when something went horribly wrong.
Details are expected to come out in court at a later date, but police cordoned off two separate locations in connection with the murder, including a house, which neighbours described as a “sleazy hang out for local gangbangers.”
Weeks later, the house was burned down in a suspected arson. Body was found in a field northeast of the city. Seven people, including two youths, have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
“This is an incident that happened for no reason,” said Bruce. “It involved a random act against everyday, working-class people."
It isn’t the first time a random stranger was the victim of violence in the city. This past spring, several people were stabbed at random while shopping at the Cornwall Centre shopping mall. A 15-year-old boy was sentenced to three years in custody.
Two years ago, a man was killed walking down the street, apparently because of the colour of shirt he was wearing.
Douglas’ family hopes his death will serve as a wakeup call that something needs to be done.
“It’s sad, it really is,” said Bruce. “It shouldn’t have to be like that – that in your own neighbourhood, in your own city, that you should have to be concerned for your safety.”
Based on a report by CTV Regina’s Dale Hunter
