A few months ago I went back to my old elementary school for a work project. Walking through the doors was strange, just being inside of the building evoked feelings and memories of my childhood that I'd long forgotten. The halls were strangely tiny and familiar.There are only a few places that can take you back into a different time of your life like a school can.
As I was leaving I walked past rows and rows of grade six class photos hanging on the wall. I immediately looked for mine and for my sisters' pictures. I was in awe of how small we were; how dated the photos were. It seemed like so long ago, yet the memories were flooding back to me.
I examined the photos, looking for familiar faces and names, and I came across a girl I knew named Carla Caldwell. Carla was a girl who lived in the same housing complex as me. She and I weren't really friends, because she was a year older, but we went to school and brownies together and we played with the same kids around the neighbourhood.
Carla is someone I would have probably forgotten about, like so many of the people I grew up with, except, unlike the rest of those people, Carla's life (and sudden death) haunted (and perhaps still haunt) all of us who knew her.
In 1991 Carla and her little brother Jamie were murdered by their father in a botched murder suicide attempt during their weekend visit to his Sherbrook Street apartment. Their father, Carl, was a sick man, who stole his young children's lives for reasons I'm not sure anyone can explain. (He succeeded in killing himself in jail a year or two later.)
Finding Carla's picture at school brought back so many emotions and memories. I feel such sadness when I think about Carla and Jamie. I think about their mother, and the profound sense of loss she will carry for the rest of her life. I think about the two kids who never had the chance to grow up and experience life. I think about the kids who grew up with Carla and Jamie who will always be haunted with memories and what ifs.
I've tried to google her over the years, looking to review her case with a set of grown up eyes, to no avail. (I would like to rummage through old newspapers one day when I have time...) The only piece of Carla that I can find is on the walls of my old elementary school.
RIP Carla and Jamie.
this is beautiful. i know what you're talking about. i went to mb archives and "micro fiched" it for a friend who had death and a public history. I hope you find what you're looking for.it helps in the digestion of our past lives.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very nice memorial to a person who had so much more to give to the world. Thank you for this. It warms my heart to see another person remembering Carla.
ReplyDeleteI would like to said thank you to this person for remembering Carla and Jamie. I am Carla and Jamie aunt and I miss them everyday It feel good to know other people do too. A big thank you .
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting. I think about Carla and Jamie and speak of them to others who knew them. I often wondered whatever happened to Simone. I just read your comment that she passed away. My most heartfelt condolences.
DeleteIf you’d ever like to chat about Carla and Jamie for my column, I would be honoured to share their story. Shelley.cook@freepress.mb.ca
I also grew up playing in the neighborhood with Carla, and remember her well. I have often thought of her over the years since we were kids. She will never be forgotten
ReplyDeleteI used to babysit Carla and Jamie while their mom attended evening classes. I too have also thought of them over the years and hope that Simone is doing well.
ReplyDeleteHi Thank you for remembering Carla Jamie and Simone. Simone pass away with cancer after she lost her kids from Simone Sister Thanks again .
DeleteMy cousin could have said it any better. Those of us that grew up with Carla and James will never forget them. It will always haunt us. Such a tragedy. So unfair they never got to grow up. I like to think about the last time I saw James playing in the sand park or the field trip with Carla. We went to the snake dens. I was scared to pick them up. Until I saw Carla do. Thought if she could do, I could too. I know Simone past many years ago. I just learned this today. Sorry for your loss. We often talked about her and wonder where she went and how life was for her. She is with her babies now. Last I heard about Simone someone said how she would of liked people to talk about her kids more. Those of us that grew up with them did. They will never be forgot.
DeleteSorry meant could not have said it any better
DeleteI remember when the students at River Heights Junior High were gathered in the gymnasium and we were told about their murders. She was a year younger than me, I didn’t know her.. but in that instant I think we all felt connected to her. I remember thinking how terrifying the last minutes of their lives would have been. I remember hearing that Carla was supposed to have slept at a friend’s that night but the plans fell through. I remember crying. I think that day changed all of us.
ReplyDeleteI met Carl caldwell when I went to the remand center back in 1992 and never knew what he was in jail for? Years later i was so shocked to hear what he was in jail for. Even though this happened which I wished it never did I am so shocked to know what he did to his children. So extremely sad I never forget people or children who have been murdered.
ReplyDeleteCarla would have been 43 years old
Deleteoops sorry she would have been 44 years old
DeleteMy family lived in the same housing complex as me. I looked up to Carla and thought she was so cool, we hung out a lot. Her brother James was my brother’s best friend. I will NEVER forget when their Mom came to talk to my Mom. I listened in, I heard all the details and I’ve never been the same. Hearing her anguish and realizing our friends were never coming back. Carla told me they had to go to their Dad’s but we’d listen to music when she got back. I almost blocked it all out but I’d get flashbacks and tried to google it but couldn’t find it. Thank you for writing this and posting her picture. May their family Rest In Peace.
ReplyDeleteFor anyone interested here's an old newspaper article on the murders I have https://imgur.com/a/5VuL3eX
ReplyDeleteThank you for the link to the newspaper article on these horrible murders. It had been many years since I had lived in Winnipeg ( I left the city right around the time the children were killed and had not heard about it until a couple months ago) This senseless crime has affected me deeply and though it happened decades ago I feel such grief for what the Mom had to endure because of this monster. My emotions are rooted in reality as I was one of Mr. Caldwell first victims in the early 1970's. He was a sick twisted monster then and unfortunately due to the lack of laws at the time for the crimes he committed against myself and 3 other children(2 were his bio kids) and a woman in her early 20's (mine and my younger sisters Mom) he got a basically a slap on the wrist and let out early for good behavior. If the laws were like they are now back then he would have never had the opportunity to even meet Simone . I am sorry to bring this all to the forefront of anyone's memories as no one needs to relive that day and I hope Carla, James and their Mom are at peace and their family has found some solace with the passage of time. Thank you for time.
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