Family reeling as victim of Sudbury stabbing left paralyzed
A GoFundMe has been set up to help support Josee Rouleau, the victim of a stabbing that happened in Chelmsford in Greater Sudbury on Nov. 22.
It’s being organized by her family, who said the 30-year-old is now paralyzed in both legs as a result of the attack.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help support Josee Rouleau, the victim of a stabbing that happened in Chelmsford in Greater Sudbury on Nov. 22. (Photo from video)
Police confirmed to CTV News that they are upgrading charges in the case to attempted murder from aggravated assault.
Rouleau is in a neurology unit at Health Sciences North after being released from the ICU. Her family said she was stabbed six times.
Her prognosis is paralysis.
"I mean we are still hopeful that you know we can get her some kind of movement on her left side," said her mother, Sue Rouleau.
"But everything we are getting told is that no, none of this is going to happen and she will be in a wheelchair for the rest of her life."
Police responded to the scene of the attack the morning of Nov. 22.
Her family said a neighbour began harassing Josee to gain access to her apartment. When Josee finally opened the door, she was viciously attacked by a woman, stabbed several times and left for dead.
A friend who was visiting that day called 911, saving her life.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help support Josee Rouleau, the victim of a stabbing that happened in Chelmsford in Greater Sudbury on Nov. 22. (Photo from video)
Pictured are Sue Rouleau, left, the victim's mother, and Felicia Fahey, the victim's cousin. (Alana Everson/CTV News)
The family describes the victim as a gentle soul, an animal lover who had three dogs who also loved the outdoors.
"I know that we have an amazing community," said her cousin, Felicia Fahey.
"She has a lot of family and friends close by. She is a lifelong resident of the Chelmsford area so we thought we would set up the GoFundMe in hopes of trying to make some sort of a positive of this horrific tragedy and help her with maintaining some sort of life after."
In addition to her paralysis, her family said she is struggling to accept what happened to her and the fact she will never fully recover.
'It's a struggle'
"It’s a struggle," Fahey said.
"On any typical day she is crying pretty much all day. She still can’t believe that this has happened to her. She is in a lot of pain. We are trying with everything we can to keep her spirits up but it’s a tough battle right now."
- Download the CTV News app now
- Get local breaking news alerts
- Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox
In a statement, Greater Sudbury Police said the accused is still in custody.
"Through the investigation, officers have formed reasonable and probable grounds for the charge of attempted murder," the statement said.
"Officers are submitting a warrant request as the accused is in custody. Officers require a judge’s order for the charge to be changed to attempt murder."
The family said they are grateful for all the support they have received. The money raised by the GoFundMe will support Josee as she faces a long road ahead in rehabilitation and adjusting to a new way of life.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trudeau says fall of Assad 'ends decades of brutal oppression' for Syria
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says a new chapter for Syria can begin that's free of terrorism and suffering for its people.
Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency that toppled Syria's Assad?
Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the militant leader of the insurgency in Syria, has spent years working to remake his public image, renouncing to ties to al-Qaida.
Trump calls for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and says a U.S. withdrawal from NATO is possible
Donald Trump on Sunday pushed Russian leader Vladimir Putin to act to reach an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine, describing it as part of his active efforts as U.S. president-elect to end the war despite being weeks from taking office.
Quebec Premier meets with Trump, Zelenskyy and Musk during Paris trip
Quebec Premier François Legault met up with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk while visiting Paris this weekend.
Baby found dead in south Edmonton parking lot: police
Police are investigating the death of an infant in south Edmonton.
Do you recognize these men? RCMP seek Metro Vancouver grandparent scam suspects
Mounties in Metro Vancouver have released photos of two men alleged to have been involved in “numerous” so-called grandparent scams earlier this year, hoping the public can help identify them.
Pantone names its colour of the year for 2025
Pantone has named an 'evocative soft brown' its colour of the year for 2025, continuing a tradition that has now run for more than a quarter of a century.
Ousted Syrian leader Assad flees to Moscow after fall of Damascus, Russian state media say
Ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad fled to Moscow on Sunday, Russian media reported, hours after a stunning rebel advance took over the capital of Damascus and ended the Assad family's 50 years of iron rule.
A man, a bike and a gun: Police search for evidence to solve the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO on the streets of New York
As the investigation into the fatal shooting of a health care executive in Manhattan enters its fifth day, police are missing key pieces of evidence and are combing through what they have gathered for more clues, as the suspect remains on the run.