Family of accused in Paul Band attack forced to move away
Ramona and James Strong move with their other children to undisclosed location
The parents of a man accused of viciously attacking a six-year-old girl on an Alberta reserve say they have become "a target" and have been forced to move because of threats of violence.
- Man arrested after girl, 6, found beaten on Paul First Nation
- Attempted murder, sexual assault charges laid in beating of girl
- Beaten First Nation girl regained consciousness on Christmas
Ramona and James Strong say in a statement that RCMP have helped move them and their other eight children to an undisclosed location.
"You just keep your head down and hope you're not a target but our family is now a target," the Strongs wrote. "And if we return home we won't get a fair trial that is sure enough."
The girl was found battered and near death outdoors on the Paul First Nation near Duffield, west of Edmonton, a few days before Christmas. She remains in hospital in Edmonton.
The Strongs say they are shocked by what happened to the little girl and are praying for her recovery.
"We haven't stopped praying and know the pain and hurt we are feeling for the little girl is a pain and hurt we know [Canadians] are feeling."
The couple say their son is charged with a very serious crime and are confident he will receive a fair trial. They also express thanks to the RCMP and the Paul Band leadership for helping them relocate.
"It's a terrible thing but it had to be done to protect us and our kids, none of us who have done anything wrong," they wrote.
James Clifford Paul is scheduled to be in court in Stony Plain on Jan. 7.
With files from CBC News