Lois Schellenberg says it has been a “long road” to see the men accused of murdering her husband get to trial, but she is confident in the work of the RCMP.
“They have built a solid case, and Crown will be able to present it in a way that will prove the guilt of the accused,” she told Black Press this week.
Schellenberg’s husband of 28 years – 55-year-old Ed (below) – was one of two innocent men who lost their lives in the Surrey Six murders on Oct. 19, 2007.
The Abbotsford father of two adult children was repairing a gas fireplace in a suite at the Balmoral Tower apartment building in Surrey when armed gunmen opened fire on him, innocent victim Chris Mohan, 22, and four gangsters – Edward Narong, 21; Corey Lal, 21; Michael Lal, 26; and Ryan Bartolomeo, 19.
Schellenberg s
ays the past six years have been difficult, and the manner in which Ed died “adds extra layers to the loss.”
“Trying to move forward is how I would characterize the past six years. Moving on: What does that even mean? It’s about making a choice to put your feet on the floor and getting out of bed some days.”
Schellenberg says she and other family members will attend the trial set to begin Sept. 30 for three of the accused – Cody Haevischer, Matthew Johnston and Michael Le – as they are able.
The case has been marred with allegations of police misconduct – including that an investigator had slept with a witness.
But Schellenberg said she hopes the work of the RCMP is not what goes on trial, but that the actions of the accused are the focus.
She says the officers who have investigated the case and supported her family over the years have been “stellar.”
“We have appreciated their availability, professionalism and care and concern for our family.”
A trial has yet to be scheduled for co-accused Jamie Bacon, whose case was severed from the other three earlier this year.
Schellenberg says she looks forward to the day when both trials are over and a “sentence is handed down that will reflect what actually happened on Oct. 19, 2007, that innocent people’s lives were taken, that Ed’s and Chris’s lives are not just a sidebar to this case.”
Ed grew up in Abbotsford, attending Simpson Elementary and Abbotsford Senior Secondary schools.
He and Lois were married in August 1979, and had two children together – Rachel and Kevin.
Ed is remembered as a loving family man and avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing and camping.
He was also a valued member of Immanuel Fellowship Baptist Church.
In his memorial, he was described as a “good neighbor, a man of integrity, patience and goodness.”
A memorial bursary in Ed’s name is offered in Surrey to those pursuing a career in the trades.