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Hundreds of Edmontonians gathered outside McNally High School Friday night for a candlelight vigil honoring Karanveer Sahota, who was attacked outside the school and died from his injuries two weeks ago.
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Prior to the vigil, people gathered and circled the tree behind the bus stop where the attack on the 16-year-old boy occurred. Dozens of flower bouquets, a stuffed animal and a sign reading “In loving memory of Karanveer” were placed against the tree at the teen’s memorial site.
Sahota’s cousins and friends spoke about Sahota and shared some personal memories.
“For one week, Karanveer stayed in the hospital to show us how strong he really was. Silently, our baby cousin brought our whole family together from across the world for one last time. On April 15, together, our family sent Karanveer off to heaven,” said Sahota’s cousin Shivleen Sidhu during the vigil.
The memorial site was glowing throughout the school grounds on Friday night with hundreds of candles placed next to it or in the hands of one of the many attendees with some even lighting lanterns.
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Following a Sikh prayer and a moment of silence, Sidhu thanked attendees for the continued support throughout the past couple of weeks.
“We truly, truly appreciate that,” said Sidhu.
“What we hope is that this support will continue as we fight the justice system to obtain justice for Karanveer. The trial will be a long and bumpy long road but without your support, we will not be able to do this alone.”
The candlelight vigil comes after hundreds gathered to mourn Sahota at his memorial service last Sunday.
Around 2:44 pm on April 8, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) received reports of an assault that happened outside McNally High School. Sahota was taken to hospital in critical condition and died from his injuries on April 15.
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An autopsy determined Sahota died of a stab wound to the chest, police said.
Seven teenagers — two as young as 14 years old — are facing second-degree murder charges in the death of the Edmonton boy. Six boys and a 17-year-old girl are charged.
Police have called the incident an “escalation of violence” between feuding groups of students, but say there is nothing to indicate it was gang-related.
None of the teens charged can be identified due to provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Cousins of Sahota have said they want the youths charged to be tried as adults.
Lionel Chartrand, a defense lawyer representing one of the accused youths, said Crown prosecutors are expected to seek adult sentences.