Father of 4 died while heroically defending Calgary woman and children, says estranged spouse of suspect

A Calgary man who was stabbed to death in a Forest Lawn home past week "saved me without any thought, saved my mother and saved my children," said the estranged spouse of the accused, who cannot be named to protect the privacy of her children.

Police revealed on Tuesday that Humberto Panameno, 36, died from stab wounds in what they are calling a domestic-related attack at a home in the 1800 block of 39th Street S.E.

Officers were called Nov. 15 to investigate a report of a man in medical distress. Pepper spray had been discharged inside the house, forcing police to ventilate the home before they could enter.

Once inside, officers found Panameno dead.

Also in the home were two children, the suspect's estranged spouse and her mother, all of whom were suffering from the effects of the pepper spray, said Staff Sgt. Martin Schiavetta at a police news conference Tuesday.

One of the women had also suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital in stable condition, police say.

"He saved me without any thought, saved my mother and saved my children," said the estranged spouse of the accused.

Her name is not being released by police in order to protect the privacy of her children.

"And I will forever be grateful. He wasn't only my friend, [he] was like a brother to me, and I will miss him dearly," she said at the news conference.

Deibi Francisco Monterroso Salazar, 29, was arrested at an acreage near Strathmore one day after Panameno was killed.

He is charged with second-degree murder and aggravated assault.

The victim's sister, Doris Panameno, said her brother leaves behind four young children.

"My nieces and nephews will never get to hold or see their father again," she said.

"However, what gives us a little bit of comfort is knowing that he gave his life to save another. What I would like to say to the murderer and his family is that God is love, and God is forgiveness."

- MORE CALGARY NEWS | Looming 'compassionate cuts' to Alberta budget worry nurse, teacher unions

- MORE CALGARY NEWS | Calgary council votes to keep Olympic bid alive