A 7-year-old girl has passed away after a friend of her mother stabbed her with a pair of scissors. The incident occurred in Edmonton, Canada this past Monday night, May 18. According to the girl’s mother, the alleged attacker had been visiting to discuss a “personal crisis” before killing the child in a violent outburst.
Tragedy in Edmonton
Police responded to a report of a stabbing at the home of the Desrosiers family at about 8:45 pm on Monday, reports the Daily Mail. When they arrived, they found 7-year-old Bella Rose Desrosiers with life-threatening stab injuries. Despite resuscitation efforts by the girl’s mother, Melissa, and emergency responders, Bella Rose died on the scene.
According to Melissa Desrosiers, her long-time friend, tattoo artist David Michael Moss (pictured above), had been visiting that night. Moss was distraught over personal issues he had been experiencing. While it’s unclear what the specific issues were, friends say he had been struggling with bills as well as the pandemic lockdown.
“I could tell he was slowly slipping and he was venting about his stress, but I didn’t know this is where it would end up,” Moss’ tattoo apprentice, Xavier Doucet, told CBC News.
Melissa said she had planned to take Moss to a hospital either the next day or that night, after tucking her daughters, Bella Rose and 4-year-old Lily, into bed. However, as she said goodnight to the girls, she says Moss burst into their bedroom brandishing a pair of scissors. She said she was helpless to intervene as Moss attacked Bella Rose, only able to get herself and Lily to safety.
The Daily Mail reports that Moss was officially named a suspect after an autopsy confirmed sharp force injury as the cause of death. He has since been charged with 2nd-degree murder in the killing. While he was scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday morning, CBC News reports that he did not attend. He is scheduled to appear again this Friday, May 22.
On Wednesday, Melissa Desrosiers gave a statement to the media memorializing her daughter Bella Rose.
“Her being was all about heartfelt sincerity,” she said. “She was always humming and singing her own soul-filled lyrics around the house.” Desrosiers also recalled her daughter’s charitable spirit. “Her soul was true, beautiful, and unique. She will always be remembered as the lemonade stand girl in the community, which she ran annually in support of [the Stollery Children’s Hospital].”
This is the second tragedy to befall the family within the last year. Last July, Desrosiers’ husband Ben reportedly took his own life. She now remembers both of her lost loved ones for the joy they took in life.
“What I ask you to focus on is celebrating the beautiful little girl that my daughter Bella Rose was and still is,” she said. “Like her father, she had a huge, kind heart that truly enjoyed life.”
7 Year Old Stabbed Edmonton — Sources:
CBC – “Edmonton man charged with 2nd-degree murder in stabbing of 7-year-old girl”
CBC – “Seven-year-old Edmonton girl stabbed to death in her own bed, mother says”
Daily Mail
Global News