The death of a 23-year-old single mother who died as a result of an explosion after a package was delivered to her home in Innisfail last week has been ruled as a homicide.

The explosion occurred inside Vicky Shachtay’s residence at 51st Ave. and 47 St. in Innisfail around 9 a.m. last Friday morning.

Shachtay, 23, was disabled and in a wheel chair from a car collision. She was also a single mother to a seven-year-old girl.

Emergency crews were called to the scene of the explosion and quickly blocked off the premises.

A 30-year-old caregiver was also in the home at the time, but suffered no serious injury.

An autopsy was conducted on Monday and RCMP Sgt. Patrick Webb said the results confirmed Shachtay’s death was a homicide.

The incident occurred after a package was delivered to the residence early Friday morning and RCMP have confirmed that it was the source of the explosion.

“We want the public to be aware and be mindful of any unanticipated delivery of packages,” said Webb.

Residences of the other townhouses were evacuated immediately but no other buildings were damaged.

Experts were brought in from Edmonton and Ottawa to investigate the explosive device as well.

The only outside damage to the home was a broken window and RCMP investigators were on scene all weekend.

If you have any information about the incident you are asked to contact the Innisfail RCMP or Crime Stoppers in order to help move the investigation along.

No arrests have been made.

efawcett@reddeerexpress.com