Matthew Schuman, a military firefighter posted at CFB Edmonton was among those shot while refilling bank machines at the University of Alberta’s main campus.
Matthew Schuman's family is "cautiously optimistic" that he will recover from his injuries after last week's armoured car robbery in Edmonton, which left three of his co-workers dead.
Mr. Schuman, a military firefighter posted at CFB Edmonton who held a second job at G4S Cash Solutions, a private security company, was among those shot early Friday morning while refilling bank machines at the University of Alberta's main campus.
His wife, Jennifer, has been by his side since she received the shocking 1 a.m. phone call that he had been involved in an accident.
"Matthew still remains listed as critical but stable," she said in a statement released Tuesday through the military. "Sunday evening was the first time that he opened his eyes and squeezed my hand. Shortly thereafter he went back to sleep. We remain cautiously optimistic that his condition will improve."
Travis Baumgartner, a 21-year-old G4S employee with only a couple of months on the job, is accused of the crimes.
Mr. Baumgartner, who is currently in custody in Langley, B.C., was arrested Saturday while carrying $334,000 in cash and attempting to cross the U.S. border in his truck affixed with the licence plate from his mother's vehicle.
Citing "security reasons," law enforcement officials in Alberta and B.C. would not confirm exactly when he would be returned to Edmonton to face charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder and armed robbery. However, he could be back in Alberta as early as Wednesday to appear before a judge, according to the Edmonton Police Service.
Investigators have said Mr. Baumgartner is "co-operating" with police.
Security guards Michelle Shegelski, 26, the veteran of the group with four years experience, was training Eddie Rejano, 39, and Brian Ilesic, 35, when the melee occurred. All three were shot and killed.
Mr. Baumgartner was named as the only suspect in the case.
In her first public statement, Mr. Schuman's wife said she is relieved that her husband's alleged attacker was captured.
"I was pleased that he was alive in hopes that he co-operates and explains his actions, because he has affected so many lives," she said. "His actions have angered an entire country, and I hope that at one point he can comprehend the level of damage he has done."
She also expressed her concern for the families of the other victims.
"My heart goes out to them and I hope that they have some small solace in knowing that the attacker is behind bars," she said.
Mr. Baumgartner's parents are also grieving. Through tears, they spoke with CTV this week to share their condolences to those affected by the crime.
Fearing repercussions from the public, Mr. Baumgartner's father didn't want to be identified by face or first name, but said he is "heartbroken and truly devastated."
He said he cannot understand what happened. "He's never been in trouble with the law a day in his life," he said.
Sandy Baumgartner, who issued a public plea on Friday for her son to turn himself in, shared those sentiments. She said she had no warning that something was amiss. Just a week ago, she said her son e-mailed her an application for the city police force to print and bring home.
"He actually had it half filled out, and this all happened," she said.
While families of the victims have been flooded with donations and flowers, Ms. Baumgartner said her family has also been touched by kindness, including the delivery of a bouquet, during the ordeal.
"There's no words to say how sorry we are for what has happened to these victims," she added. "If we could take it back, if there was anything that could be done, we would."