Tragedy in Carbonear: Tributes pouring in for Quinn Butt
Girl's father, Trent Butt, charged with first-degree murder, arson
An entire province is mourning the loss of a big-eyed, fair-haired and energetic young girl, who police say was killed by her father in Carbonear.
Quinn Butt, 5, died Sunday morning. Firefighters discovered the girl's body when entering the home of Trent Butt, the girl's father, to fight a raging house fire on Hayden Heights.
On Tuesday, there was a flood of support for Quinn's mother and family on social media, that echoed an overwhelming sense of anger and grief.
Parents posted photos of their own children, called for justice for the small girl, and expressed a deep feeling of sadness.
Absolutely heartbreaking hearing the news of the passing of the little girl in Carbonear. I hope justice is served. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lightitupQuinn?src=hash">#lightitupQuinn</a>
—@WhatsAfterMarchDenial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.<br>Which stage are you at? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lightitupQuinn?src=hash">#lightitupQuinn</a>
—@Comfortcove<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lightitupQuinn?src=hash">#lightitupQuinn</a> copy and paste pic and caption for this little angel that was taken way to soon ! <a href="https://t.co/LHB9qWxdxw">pic.twitter.com/LHB9qWxdxw</a>
—@FannyFlammiaAn obituary names a long list of family who are left behind, including the girl's mother.
A vigil is scheduled for 8 p.m. Thursday at the soccer field in Harbour Grace to celebrate a short life lived.
"There's a feeling of sadness, some anger, disbelief, how did it happen?" said Carbonear Mayor George Butt.
"I don't know how anyone could do it to their own kid, right? Terrible, terrible tragedy."
Butt told the St. John's Morning Show Wednesday that there is a deep sense of shock throughout the region.
"They have a struggle ahead of them," Butt said of the two families affected.
Quinn Butt was a young dancer, and was set to go to Florida for a vacation with her mother.
no ones life should be taken at such a young age, rip angel <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lightitupQuinn?src=hash">#lightitupQuinn</a> 💜
—@kaitmorgannHugged my daughter a little tighter & a little longer tonight before tucking her into bed. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lightitupQuinn?src=hash">#lightitupQuinn</a>
—@Khrystle_Marie_Trent Butt, 37, is at the Health Sciences Centre in serious condition. But that didn't delay the RCMP from charging him with first-degree murder and arson.
Judge David Orr went to Butt's hospital bedside Tuesday afternoon to officially lay the charges. His next court date is scheduled for May 11.
While details are minimal, police have alleged Butt killed his daughter before setting fire to his own home.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations in Quinn's memory to be made to the Iris Kirby Foundation, which provides shelter for women and children in abusive relationships.