Southern Alberta community still looking for answers in triple slaying

BLAIRMORE, Alta. – The Crowsnest Pass region in southern Alberta is remembering an agonizing anniversary and still looking for answers as to why a little girl, her father and a woman from a nearby community were slain a year ago.

The tragic events began on Sept. 9, 2015, when the body of 69-year-old Hanne Meketech was found in her Coleman-area home.

A few days later on Sept. 14, Terry Blanchette, 27, was found dead in his Blairmore home and an Amber Alert was issued for his two-year-old daughter, Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette, who went missing from the residence.

The little girl’s remains were recovered in a rural area near the southern Alberta town the next day.

Derek Saretzy, 23, is charged with three counts of first-degree murder and many in the community are still struggling to understand what happened.

Hailey’s godmother, Rebecca Harrington, told CTV Calgary she urged people in the community to wear blue and pink on Wednesday in honour of Blanchette and his daughter.

“And it’s more than painful just today, it’s every day this small town is still, is still suffering with this tragedy,” said Harrington.

Blanchette’s friends say everyday continues to be a nightmare and his absence still leaves a big hole in their lives.

“Hailey was always happy and joyful,” said Corette Harrington. “Terry overcame a lot of adversity to get to where he was and we were so proud of him. They were very special people.”

It has also been a difficult year for the family of the accused, who say they have been torn apart by what happened.

Saretzky’s aunt owns the property where Hailey’s remains were found and said she thinks of the little girl often.

“When I do go up there, I always talk to Hailey. We’ve taken her flowers, we take her little stuffed toys,” said Carmellia Saretzky. “Our hearts go out to Hailey’s family and Terry’s family and Hanne’s family, they do, and like I said, I think of them every day and I pray for them every day.”

Family members said they’re dreading the trial but that they are also hoping it may bring some answers.

Saretzky’s trial is scheduled to begin on May 8, 2017.

(CTV Calgary)