Daughter of woman who Edmonton police say was victim of intimate partner homicide calls for change
in connection with the death of 43-year-old Ashley Burke, Robson’s mother.“Burke’s death is considered an intimate partner homicide,” police said in a news release.Robson said people have misinterpreted what the characterization of the homicide means, even though she understands why police used the term.“(I believe) it was domestic violence, … or intimate partner homicide, … (but) it wasn’t a relationship by any means,” Robson said of the fact that her mother and the man accused of killing her knew one another.“You never think it’s going to happen to your family member. Never.
And then when it does happen, you’re shocked by it.”Robson said she was also saddened to hear of other recent homicides that occurred during the holiday season that police in those cities have suggested were cases of intimate partner violence: the deaths of Cora-Lee Smith and her father Bradford Downey in Nova Scotia, and the deaths of Ania Wardzala-Kaminski and her father Stanislaw Wardzala in Calgary.“It’s like the last thing I can do for my mom,” Robson said, explaining why she wanted to speak to the media about what happened to her mother and the issue of violence against women.“I tried my best to be there for her in a lot of ways … (But) I wasn’t able to help her before she was taken.”Karen Kadatz is the executive director of the Strathcona Shelter Society which operates a facility called A Safe Place to offer women and children shelter and safety in the Edmonton area.“Our hearts break,” she said of the recent homicides that have gained attention across Canada. “It’s so tragic and our condolences go out to all the families.”Kadatz said organizations like hers were particularly busy during the holiday season.“We were full every night,” she
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