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
Jubilation and gunfire as Syrians celebrate the end of the Assad family's half-century rule
Syrians poured into streets echoing with celebratory gunfire on Sunday after a stunning rebel advance reached the capital, putting an end to the Assad family's 50 years of iron rule but raising questions about the future of the country and the wider region.
Canada 'falling so consistently short' on defence spending has hurt standing on world stage, but improving: U.S. ambassador
U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Cohen says while Canada's defence spending is going in the right direction, the federal government's persistent failure to meet NATO targets has been damaging to the country's reputation on the world stage.
War monitor says Assad has fled Syria after rebels enter capital
The head of a Syrian opposition war monitor said early Sunday that Syria’s President Bashar Assad left the country for an undisclosed location.
Most Canadians would avoid buying U.S. products post-Trump tariff: Nanos survey
A majority of Canadians would be hesitant to buy U.S. goods in response to the proposed American tariff on products from Canada, according to a new survey.
Longer careers in hockey are linked to greater risk of CTE: study
The largest study ever done on the brains of male hockey players has found the odds of getting a neurodegenerative disease caused by repeated traumatic brain injuries increases with each year played.
Renovations underway to return one of the last Quonset-style theatres in Canada back to former glory
Community members in the small town of Coleman, Alta. are eagerly waiting for the grand re-opening of the historic Roxy Theatre now that renovations have started.
Canada Post strike: Union 'extremely disappointed' in latest offer, negotiator says
A negotiator for the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) says the latest offer from Canada Post to end the ongoing strike shows the carrier is moving in the "opposite direction."
Search for UnitedHealthcare CEO's killer yields evidence, but few answers
As the search for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s killer goes on, investigators are reckoning with a tantalizing dichotomy: They have troves of evidence, but the shooter remains an enigma.
Digging themselves out: With Santa Claus parade cancelled, Londoners make best of snowy situation
Londoners continue to dig themselves out from this week’s massive snowstorm.