Beloved Teacher Ania Kaminski Identified as Victim in Calgary Double Homicide
Calgary teacher Ania Kaminski and her father were killed in a double homicide allegedly by her husband, Benedict Kaminski, who then took his own life. The tragedy leaves three children orphaned and highlights domestic violence.
In a heart-wrenching tragedy that has shaken the Calgary community, beloved elementary teacher Ania Kaminski and her father, Stanislaw Wardzala, were identified as victims of a brutal double homicide believed to have been carried out by her spouse, Benedict Kaminski. The suspect’s subsequent suicide has left the community grappling with grief, unanswered questions, and a call for justice.
Key Details:
- Victims Identified:
- Ania Kaminski, a 33-year-old elementary teacher at Elizabeth Barrett Elementary School in Cochrane, Alberta .
- Stanislaw Wardzala, her 70-year-old father, a retired caretaker with the Calgary Catholic School District .
- Suspect:
- Benedict Kaminski, Ania’s 38-year-old spouse, was found dead near his vehicle in the Water Valley area, 80 km northwest of Calgary .
- He had no prior criminal record but legally owned at least one firearm .
- Incident Overview:
- The bodies of Ania and Stanislaw were discovered at two separate locations in Calgary on Sunday, December 29, 2024 .
- Police believe the killings were targeted and domestic in nature .
- Autopsies are scheduled for Friday, January 3, 2025 .
- Community Impact:
- Ania Kaminski was a beloved teacher who had previously worked at École Edwards Elementary School in Airdrie and Springbank Community High School .
- Rocky View Schools described her as deeply missed by colleagues, students, and friends, highlighting her positive impact on the community .
- She leaves behind three young children, Kazio, Kalinka, and Katsper, who are now orphaned .
- Support Efforts:
- A GoFundMe page launched by a family friend has raised over $125,000 to support Ania’s children .
- Rocky View Schools is offering counseling and emotional support services for students and staff .
Unanswered Questions:
- Motive: Investigators are still working to determine what drove Benedict Kaminski to commit such a horrific act .
- Children’s Well-being: How will Ania’s children cope with the loss of both parents and the trauma they may have witnessed? .
Broader Implications:
This tragedy highlights the urgent need to address domestic violence, which has been on the rise in Alberta. Andrea Silverstone, CEO of Sagesse Domestic Violence Prevention Society, emphasized the hidden nature of coercive control and the challenges victims face in leaving abusive relationships .
Call to Action:
The community must rally to support the victims’ loved ones and work toward preventing such senseless acts of violence in the future. Resources like the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters (ACWS) hotline (1-866-331-3933) are available for those in need .
Additional Context:
- Ania’s brother, Peter Wardzala, revealed that she had planned to leave Benedict after a heated argument during Christmas dinner. Benedict’s behavior had escalated, leading to a confrontation that foreshadowed the tragedy .
- Benedict’s suicide after the killings has left the family grappling with anger and grief, as they feel justice was denied .
Ania Kaminski’s legacy as an educator and mother will endure, but her tragic death demands justice and systemic change to protect others from similar fates. This devastating event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of recognizing and addressing domestic violence before it escalates to such tragic outcomes.