Teen homicide victim described as a talented athlete who was kind and respectful
CBC
Family and friends of Jal Acor Jal are in shock today after the teen's death on Thursday, which Calgary police are now investigating as a homicide.
Jal, who was 16-years-old, was described by those who knew him as a kind and compassionate young man who was a gifted athlete.
Gar Gar knew Jal since he was a child through his work with youth in Calgary's South Sudanese community.
"I think the first thing that comes to mind is [that Jal] was just a gentle kid," said Gar.
He noted that Jal called the older men in the community 'uncle', a term of endearment that was indicative of his respectful character.
Gar added that Jal was bright and energetic and that he never shied away from offering to help when he could.
"The most devastating thing in this case is [a kid] at 16 years old to be found in this way, in this position," said Gar.
He said that Jal's death has left many in the community searching for answers.
"We would like to know more about it, is it somebody that knew him, is it a random attack? Is it intentional?"
Investigators say that first responders were dispatched to a green space behind the 100 block of Arbour Meadows Close N.W., on Thursday evening, where an injured male was reportedly found.
He was dead upon arrival, police say.
Jal's homicide was the sixth in two weeks in the city, a figure that police said is "unheard of."
Jal was a talented athlete who played basketball and football at St. Francis High School.
"We surround the St. Francis High School community and impacted family and friends with our hearts, thoughts and prayers," the Calgary Cowboys minor football league wrote in a Facebook post on Saturday.
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