Teenage girl, 17, dies in hospital after St. Albert double stabbing

One of the two teenage girls stabbed multiple times at a home in St. Albert, northwest of Edmonton, last week has died of her injuries, police say.

The 17-year-old victim died in hospital late Saturday afternoon, according to St. Albert RCMP. Police did not provide a health update on the second victim, a 13-year-old girl.

A charge against the accused, 28-year-old Kaj Randall, was upgraded to first-degree murder. Police say the man knew the two victims.

The 17-year-old victim was identified as Jaeden Chaisson in a Facebook post by her mother Nicole late Saturday.

“My beautiful baby girl fought so hard but her injuries were so severe that even all the prayers being sent could not save her,” Nicole wrote.

The girl’s mother said she was “surrounded by numerous loved ones as she peacefully left us to reunite with her dad and grandma. My heart is so unbelievably heavy.”

Mounties say the double stabbing happened on Thursday morning at a home in St. Albert’s Riverside neighbourhood.

Randall was arrested in Edmonton early Saturday morning by RCMP. He is scheduled to appear in court in St. Albert on Monday.

A GoFundMe page was set up by a family friend to help raise money for Jaeden’s funeral and memorial.

“We want to give Jaeden the beautiful and dignified farewell she deserves,” the online fundraiser reads. “The expenses for the funeral service, burial, and memorial are substantial.”

Funds raised will also help the family, the post reads.

“Jaeden’s family needs time to grieve without the added stress of financial strain. Your donations will help cover their monthly expenses, allowing them the space and time they need to mourn and begin the healing process.”

More than $12,000 was raised — from a goal of $20,000 — as of Sunday afternoon.

–With files from Hiba Kamal-Choufi