Friends, family gather to remember slain Toronto teen
CBC News | Posted: September 8, 2013 7:34 PM | Last Updated: September 9, 2013
Hundreds of people gathered to say goodbye to O'She Doyles-Whyte, one of two teens shot dead in Toronto’s northwest region two weeks ago.
During a memorial service on Sunday, Pastor Marcelle James called on the young people living in the city to understand the toll that violence takes.
"I want to solidify among our young generation today, who live in a desensitized culture of violence, that life is precious, it is a miracle," James said.
The 16-year-old Toronto teen was shot alongside 15-year-old Kwame Duodu, at the Yorkwoods Village housing complex on the afternoon of Aug. 23.
Police have said that they believe they have obtained images of the suspects in the double homicide. No arrests have been made so far.
The families of the two slain teenagers have appealed for people with information about the double homicide to come forward to police.
But while they searched for answers, today was also a day of mourning and remembering the teen.
Those who knew the 16-year-old said he was immersed in his community and his church and wanted to become a registered nurse.
"I understand the very day he passed away he was taking care of his mother’s birthday gift," James said, speaking of Doyles-Whyte's character.
Other mothers who suffered similar losses spoke out Sunday as well.
Joan Howard’s son Kempton was shot and killed 10 years ago. He was a community worker who mentored youth.
For Howard, her son’s death was a catalyst for change.
"My plan is to appeal to the federal government to keep guns from coming over the border," she said.
Howard has been working with her MP Craig Scott and hoped her petition will be presented once parliament reconvenes this fall.