Calgary woman killed described as 'beautiful inside and out' as 1st appearance for accused adjourned

A 26-year-old man charged in the stabbing death of a Calgary woman last Friday will be back in court next week.

Vanessa Ladouceur, 31, has been identified as the victim of the city's fourth homicide this year.

Michael John Adenyi has been charged with her first-degree murder. 

In an emailed statement to CBC News, Ladouceur's mother Erika said her family is devastated and heartbroken.

"I just want people to know what an amazing human being she was. Beautiful inside and out. Incredibly smart, athletic, cared about the homeless and the hungry in our city," said Erika.

"She would buy coffee or food to help those she could."

Police say Ladouceur was found injured and unconscious and died despite the efforts of first responders at the scene.

Adenyi did not appear in court in person and his case was adjourned to March 30.

Police said they have ruled out any connection between the victim and the accused, meaning they believe it to be the result of a random attack.

"Any loss of life is tragic, but especially in situations like this," said Staff Sgt. Sean Gregson of the Calgary police, in a release issued Monday.

"This type of senseless violence has no place in our community, and we know that this incident has impacted many Calgarians. We offer our sincere condolences to the victim's friends and family."

Calgary police said random attacks such as this one are rare in the city.