More threats hurled in fallout of Rehtaeh Parsons investigation

There's not much you can say. When things are bad, they are really bad.

Glen Canning, the grieving father of Rehtaeh Parsons, has been at the centre of public attention since his daughter committed suicide earlier this year.

He has become an advocate against cyberbullying, has been a constant champion in the fight for justice and a level head amid the turbulence the case has created.

Some appear to have had enough of that.

CBC News reports that Canning has received online death threats in the recent days, with messages posted online suggesting he may be in trouble.

“‘I know where you live, I know your face, I know your car, I know your house, I know where you work. And you better shut up, bud, or you're going to be joining your daughter.’ Just stuff like that. It's pretty sad, actually,” Canning told the network.

RCMP confirm they have received a complaint from Canning, but have not discussed it.

[ Related: Rehtaeh Parsons' father says he received death threat ]

Parsons died in April following a suicide attempt that her family contends was caused by taunts and bullying that came from a photograph released of her being sexually assaulted.

Two boys, now 17 and 18, face child porn-related charges in the incident. Canning has said he is disappointed that sexual assault charges have never been laid.

Finger pointing and threats have become common following Parsons' death. The names of her alleged attackers were released online, although some contend some names were incorrectly attributed to the incident. A group supporting those suspected in the case struck back, accusing Parsons supporters of bullying innocent kids.

The RCMP has even gotten involved, warning the public not to engage in personal attacks.

"[P]olice will not tolerate vigilante actions against the accused," one recent statement reads.

[ More Brew: Child porn charges in Rehtaeh Parsons case of little solace ]

Through the entire affair, Canning has comported himself with dignity and patience. Clearly upset, of course, but focused on securing justice for his daughter. Avoiding the sideshows as best he can.

Even this week. When controversy stirred surrounding a tweet sent by Dr. Phil, Canning took the high road.

In advance of a segment on Parsons, the Dr. Phil Show tweeted the question: “If a girl is drunk, is it OK to have sex with her? Reply yes or no to @drphil.”

It was attacked and quickly deleted, but the controversy swirled. Canning, meantime, stayed focused on what mattered.

"Through my eyes, that question isn’t really offensive at all. What offends me is the simple fact that in Rehtaeh’s case, the answer to the question was and remains a sickening yes," he wrote in a blog post.

It is a massive disappointment that the father of a girl who was bullied to death is now receiving death threats.

It makes it hard for him to focus on what matters. But you can bet that he will do his best.

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