London, Ont., teen dies in hospital days after being stabbed in case of intimate partner violence

WARNING: This story contains discussion of intimate partner violence.

A 17-year-old girl has died in hospital two days after she was stabbed in an incident that involved a domestic violence call and ended in the fatal shooting of a London, Ont., man by police.

The girl has been identified by police and her family as Breanna Broadfoot.

"Today we had to say goodnight to our beautiful angel who was viciously murdered on Tuesday evening. She fought hard, as hard as she could, and lost," Jessica Broadfoot, Breanna's mother, wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday evening.

"RIP Breanna, you will be missed by so many people my sweet sweet girl. Our hearts are broken."

Just before 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday, police responded to a duplex on Wellesley Crescent near Trafalgar Street and Admiral Drive for a report that multiple people had been stabbed.

An 18-year-old man with a knife was located by officers, said the province's Special Investigations Unit (SIU). He was shot by two officers after an "interaction with police" and was pronounced dead in hospital. His identity has not been released.

The SIU, a civilian law enforcement agency, investigates circumstances involving police that result in serious injury, death or allegations of sexual assault.

The man had stabbed a 17-year-old girl and a 22-year-old man at the home, the agency said. The man was later released from hospital. A third man also at the residence was not injured.

Paramedics transported the girl to hospital in critical condition and she died there on Thursday, her family said.

Few other details about the incident have been released.

Police say intimate partner violence a concern

In confirming Breanna's death in hospital, the London Police Service extended its condolences to the family, friends and loved ones.

"The SIU continues to investigate, and as such, we are unable to comment further," the LPS said early Friday afternoon.

In a statement on Wednesday, police Chief Thai Truong indicated the stabbing was related to intimate partner violence.

"Intimate partner violence remains a significant concern to the safety and well-being of our community," Truong said, noting London has recognized the issue as an epidemic.

Women and girls constitute more than 80 per cent of victims in intimate partner violence incidents, which are significantly underreported, he said.

Word of the London incident comes in the wake of other deaths linked to intimate partner violence in recent weeks.

On July 2, the funeral of Carly Walsh and her two children in Harrow, Ont., was held after they were found dead in their home on June 20. Carly's husband and the children's father, Steve, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

In confirming what led to the family members' deaths, Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Ed Sanchuk also noted that intimate partner violence remains a serious problem in Ontario.

As well, Cheryl Sheldon, 62, of London was found with life-threatening injuries in her apartment on June 22 and later died in hospital. Her boyfriend has been charged with second-degree murder.

CBC News later learned Sheldon had sought help from Anova, a local emergency shelter, but found it was full. She was referred to a 24-hour shelter for Indigenous women and was told she could have a bed for the night but never arrived.

"There are two women that lost their lives in less than a month in London," said Jennifer Dunn, executive director of the London Abused Women's Centre. "It's absolutely devastating."

Who is going to be the next woman to lose her life in our city? And what can we do to make sure that doesn't happen?- Jennifer Dunn, London Abused Women's Centre

Dunn said her agency has worked with women and girls of all ages who have experienced intimate partner violence.

"Girls should not have to access a service at the London Abused Women's Centre, but the fact [Breanna] was 17 years old is not the shocking part for me, because at our office, that is not unusual," she said. "The shocking part is that it's almost seemingly never ending.

"Who is going to be the next woman to lose her life in our city? And what can we do to make sure that doesn't happen?" 

'We will somehow find you justice'

Jessica Broadfoot's social media post includes a written letter addressed to Breanna, describing the emotional toll her death has had on the family.

"We promise you with our entire hearts that we will somehow find you justice. We will do anything in our powers to make sure this violence doesn't happen to any other woman," reads the letter written by Jessica and Brett Broadfoot, Breanna's father.

The couple's letter also says Breanna's brother is devastated to have lost his best friend.

"The monster who did this to you is destroyed. He can't hurt anyone ever again. We are just sorry it ended with you as his victim," it continues.

"We are going to help with your life goals, and you are going to help lots of people. You will be the biggest, most beautiful flower ever."

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at Northview Funeral Chapel, followed by a candlelight vigil at 7 p.m. at Ed Blake Park.

In his own Facebook post, Brett invited members of the community to join the family at the vigil.

"Everyone is welcome. It will mean [a lot] and help our family begin the process of her tragic loss," his post reads.

"Please stop domestic violence."

If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to get help:

For anyone affected by family or intimate partner violence, there is support available through crisis lines and local support services. ​​If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.

In London, support is also available through Anova, Atlosha Native Family Healing Services, London Abused Women's Centre, Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre, and Victim Services of Middlesex-London.