Tragic Murder-Suicide: Beloved Teacher Ania Kaminski and Father Killed by Husband Benedict Kaminski - Calgary in Shock
In a horrifying act of violence, Calgary is reeling from the brutal murder of elementary school teacher Ania Kaminski and her father, Stanislaw Wardzala, in a suspected murder-suicide carried out by her husband, Benedict Kaminski. The tragedy unfolded on Sunday, December 29, 2024, when the bodies of Ania, 33, and Stanislaw, 70, were discovered at two separate locations in the city. Hours later, Benedict, 38, was found dead near his vehicle in a remote area northwest of Calgary, leaving a trail of heartbreak and unanswered questions.
This was not just a crime; it was a calculated act of domestic terror. Benedict Kaminski, who had no prior criminal record, allegedly turned his family home into a scene of unimaginable horror before taking his own life. What could drive a man to such a monstrous act? Was it uncontrollable rage, a need for control, or something more sinister? While investigators search for answers, one grim truth is undeniable: this tragedy highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence.
Ania Kaminski, a cherished teacher at Elizabeth Barrett Elementary School in Cochrane, was more than an educator—she was a source of inspiration and a pillar of her community. Her death leaves behind three young children, now orphaned, who face a lifetime of grief and loss. While a GoFundMe campaign has raised over $125,000 to support them, no amount of financial assistance can undo the trauma they have endured.
Rocky View Schools has stepped forward to provide counseling and support for grieving students and staff, but the emotional scars of this tragedy will be long-lasting. How many more lives must be shattered before domestic violence is treated as the urgent crisis it is? How many families must endure this kind of pain before society demands systemic change?
The deaths of Ania and Stanislaw are not just a profound loss—they are a call to action. Their legacy of love and dedication deserves to be remembered, but their murders also demand accountability and justice. As autopsies are scheduled for Friday, January 3, 2025, the community is left to confront a haunting question: Could this tragedy have been prevented?
This is not just a story of sorrow—it is a rallying cry. Domestic violence remains a silent epidemic, and the tragic deaths of Ania Kaminski and her father are a stark reminder of its deadly consequences. Will we act to protect the vulnerable and hold abusers accountable, or will we let this happen again? The choice is ours.