2 teens accused in Lecent Amos-Ross shooting death appear in court
Victim's mother 'still crying every night,' pastor says
The two teenagers accused in the shooting death of Lecent Amos-Ross appeared in court on Wednesday, with the slain teen's grieving mother there as well.
"She's crying every night still, she's mourning the loss of her daughter," said Keaton Austin, the Pastor of the Abundant Life Assembly, who spoke on behalf of Amos-Ross's mother, Alicia Jesquith.
Ross died after she was shot with an illegal handgun inside a home on Jamestown Crescent in the city's Rexdale neighbourhood on July 9.
The 13-year-old, who cannot be named under provisions in the Youth Criminal Justice Act, showed no emotion during his brief appearance. He's charged with manslaughter, unlawful possession of a firearm and a number of other weapons offences.
The accused 18-year-old, who police haven't identified because it would reveal the identity of the younger teen, faces numerous charges including criminal negligence causing death, use of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm and a number of other weapons offences.
Both of the accused will remain in custody and are set to appear in court again next week by video.
Austin, himself visibly upset following the court appearance, said he was "ticked" about the situation and the culture of drugs and guns in the Jamestown Crescent community.
"Drugs kill, guns kill, Wherever the drugs are, guns are there," he said.
Police in the Rexdale area say they're focusing on illegal guns and the people supplying them, and that they've also stepped up public education programs in the wake of the deadly shooting.