Grand Falls-Windsor mourns after deadly shootings, calls for increased police presence
The town of Grand Falls-Windsor is mourning this weekend after two separate shootings in just a matter of days left multiple people dead and a community shaken.
Residents in the central Newfoundland town are grappling with the violence, which local officials say has deeply affected the close-knit community of roughly 14,000 people.
The first incident occurred Wednesday afternoon. One person was sent to hospital with life-threatening injuries, while another was found dead near a vehicle believed by RCMP to have been used by the suspect to flee the scene. The injured victim was later airlifted to St. John’s for advanced medical care and remains in hospital.
Just two days later, shortly before 5 a.m. Friday, police were called to a home on Crescent Heights, where they discovered a woman had been killed inside.
The incident prompted a public advisory, asking motorists and nearby residents to avoid the area while police conducted their investigation. That investigation led to the arrest and charging of 52-year-old Ivan Loder with first-degree murder.
Despite the tragedy, Mayor Mike Browne says the community is coming together to support those affected. He noted that local organizations, churches, and residents have been reaching out to victims’ families during this difficult time.
Browne also confirmed that town officials have been in contact with provincial authorities and the RCMP about increasing police resources in the area.
Residents can expect to see a heightened police presence, particularly in the Crescent Heights neighbourhood, as the investigation continues.