Pubdate: Sat, 05 Mar 2005
Source: Medicine Hat News (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 Alberta Newspaper Group, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.medicinehatnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1833
Author: John Cotter, Canadian Press
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Rochfort+Bridge (Rochfort Bridge)

MAYERTHORPE MOURNS DEATH OF MOUNTIES

MAYERTHORPE, Alta.-- Investigators trying to assemble the bloodstained
pieces of the massacre of four Mounties said Friday it was not yet
clear how the shooter met his end.

"At this time we are still unable to confirm how James Roszko died,"
said RCMP regional Supt. Marty Cheliak.

Cheliak would not confirm reports the 46-year-old Roszko had been shot
and killed by a police sniper.

He said the investigation on Roszko's farm near Mayerthorpe in
northwestern Alberta would continue for several days.

Brock Myrol, 29, Lionide Nicholas Johnston, 34, Peter Christopher
Schiemann, 25, and Anthony Fitzgerald Orion Gordon, 28, were found
dead Thursday, along with Roszko, in a quonset hut at his farm 130
kilometres northwest of Edmonton.

Roszko was known to police and local residents as a police hater and a
violent menace who laid spike belts on his property.

Myrol's mother lashed out Friday at Roszko and the "liberal-minded"
system that allowed him to flourish.

"The man who murdered our son and brother was a person who was deeply
disturbed and ill," said Colleen Myrol on behalf of the family of the
slain 29-year-old.

She demanded Prime Minister Paul Martin toughen laws to curb violence
and drug abuse and to give police more power to do what is necessary
to keep people safe.

"We are a good country. Brock knew that. He loved the RCMP and all it
stood for. Our country is hurting. We have lost four dedicated
citizens who were willing to do something about it," she said from Red
Deer.

Outside the Mayerthorpe detachment, a bagpiper played Amazing Grace.
Some left bouquets of flowers beside the flagpole.

The sign outside the high school read Our Hearts Go Out to
You.

"It is a terrible thing. We just had a car accident a little while ago
and we got to know a lot of the cops. They helped us out," said Catlin
Trynchy, 16.

"They are all really good people. It is a shame."

One woman placed four stuffed toys -- an elephant, a zebra and two
teddy bears at the makeshift memorial.

In a note she said the animals are her daughter's favourite
toys.

"The prayers of my little family are with the fallen officers," the
note said.

"God please watch over all the police officers all over the world."
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake