Memorial grows in northwest Calgary where bodies of 2 children were discovered by police

A memorial for 2 children who were found dead on April 30 has started in northwest Calgary.

A small memorial has been erected in northwest Calgary to pay tribute to two children who were found dead in an SUV last week.

The memorial went up in the 4500 block 14 Street N.W.-- the spot where the children were discovered Thursday -- although police believe the killings happened around midnight Wednesday.

They also say it was the father who called police to report the crime.

“The accused contacted 911 and stated that he had killed his children and gave his location,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Rahn at a Friday press briefing.

Police say the father picked the children up to take them to a playground.

When they did not return, the mother contacted police and was told her best recourse was through the courts.

Investigators say that’s where they found her Thursday, when they delivered the news in person.

The identities of the victims and the accused are protected by a publication ban, and they will not be named.

Friends of the mother tell CTV News the couple was separated but still on good terms.

Police confirm they had been called to the home four times in the past but no charges were laid.

Barely able to stand, the children’s mother was helped into St. Michael Eritrean Orthodox Church Friday.

Inside, members of the Eritrean community wept openly, mourning the loss.

“It has never happened in our community, and it is a devastation for us and the whole community,” said Goitom Mengesha with the Eritrean church.

“We are just shaken by what has happened here.”

A card inscribed with a handwritten message was included in a bouquet of flowers laid at the base of the memorial Saturday afternoon.

“My heart goes out to the two children who tragically lost their lives here,” it said, “Along with the mother and family. I am so sorry for your loss and your angels may be gone, but they will never be forgotten.”

The father is scheduled to appear in court Monday. He has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

With files from CTV News’ Damien Wood and Kevin Green