As a fatal stabbing suspect appeared in court via video on Monday, students at Abbotsford Senior Secondary returned to class for the first time since their classmate's death.
Gabriel Klein, 21, was scheduled to appear by video link in a courthouse, but the appearance was delayed when the suspect refused to leave his cell at the Surrey Pre-Trial Centre. Eventually Klein appeared on video, seated in a wheelchair and wrapped in a blanket. He did not move or respond to questions.
The Crown said Klein, who is expected to appear in court in person on Wednesday, has been taken to hospital twice since his arrest. Both times, doctors declared he was not certifiable, and the Crown said he had no medical reason to remain in hospital. They said they were concerned that his refusal to engage may be an intentional way to avoid judicial process.
Klein has been offered legal counsel, but hasn't spoken to any representatives, the Crown said. He has been charged with second-degree murder and aggravated assault in what police have called a random act of violence against two students.
As the Klein appeared by video in court, students returned to the high school where Klein is alleged to have fatally stabbed a teenager and injured another.
Students of Abbotsford Senior Secondary filled the hallways for the first time since the stabbing last week.
Thirteen-year-old Letisha Reimer died Tuesday after being attacked by an intruder in the school's atrium. Her 14-year-old friend, who cannot be named because of a publication ban, was seriously injured and remains in hospital.
Officials said school would only be in session for a half-day on Monday, with each student returning to the classroom where they were held in lockdown. Grief counsellors, therapy dogs and police officers were all on-hand for students and staff, who walked by a memorial of posters, flowers and balloons on their way inside the school.
"I'm preparing to see a lot of sad faces preparing to trying to get back into the daily grind," Grade 12 student Brandon Dubois told CTV Morning Live before heading to class.
Dubois said students are feeling stressed and anxious.
"There's security concerns all around, people are talking about the public library and the front door and I'm worried about that too," he said.
A review of security procedures is underway at the school. For now, all but one of the exterior doors are being locked during school hours.
A number of initiatives were undertaken to make the transition back to class a little easier, such as cleaning the ravine behind the high school.
Volunteers spent the weekend removing debris from the area in a bid to make students feel safer.
Kyle Hansen, a graduate of the school, organized alumni and community members to clear the wooded area backing school property of items that shouldn’t be there.
“Dirty needles, condoms and clothing, tarps and garbage bags, there’s some shopping carts… It's scary for people to walk through there,” said Hansen.
“It just needs to be done… we just want to make it safe again.”
Cheri Lovre, an American crisis specialist with extensive experience in school tragedies, including the Columbine massacre, has been hired by the school district to help the students.
She says the school’s response to the stabbing was “remarkable.”
Lovre says the week will be a tough one, and mostly "transitional" as students adjust.
"I would be incredibly surprised if there was any actual schoolwork done at all in the first day. And then it's kind of nice to have a break from the drama and the trauma and get into school work slowly as kids can," she said.
Parents are being encouraged to reach out to friends and family, and be together during the grieving process.
With files from CTV Vancouver’s Sarah MacDonald, Nafeesa Karim and Maria Weisgarber
