'This kid will be missed': Family, friends gather to mourn death of Calgary teen shot last week
CBC
Nearly 150 friends and family gathered beside a pond near Arbour Meadows Close in northwest Calgary Thursday night to mourn the death of Grade 10 student, Jal Acor Jal, who was shot last week.
Family members stood behind a memorial made of candles and flowers to honour the 16-year-old, while Jal's uncle, Pastor Joseph Jal, said a prayer.
Classmates and teachers from St. Francis High School and community members gathered in a semi-circle, wiping away tears and consoling one another as the sun set behind them.
"I can't even describe the pain that each of us are feeling," Akeir Kuol, Jal's aunt, told CBC.
She said Jal's death has been shocking and heartbreaking for the whole family, but especially for his grandmother — with whom Jal lived in Calgary's Dalhousie neighbourhood — and his mom and dad.
On March 31, police say Jal was shot and found dead by first responders in a green space in Arbour Lake, in northwest Calgary, around 8:30 p.m.
Police have charged a 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, with second-degree murder. He is expected to appear in court on April 28.
Jal's family is still trying to understand what happened leading up to his death.
"The saddest thing is we don't know why he died," said Kuol.
Jal was a student at St. Francis High School, where he played on both the basketball and football teams.
Regina Okado, a friend, had gone to school with Jal since elementary. She said he treated her "like his little sister."
"I've seen him grow from this sweet little boy, to a very tall and genuine, happy boy — man actually. And he was a very, very independent, and genuine, and a sweet guy," said Okado.
"If you needed him to have your back he would. He was a real one."
Okado said people will remember him as a good athlete and teammate, and for having a good attitude.
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