A GoFundMe photo shows 16-year-old Calgary student Jal Acor Jal, who was recently found dead on Lake Arbor in northwestern Calgary on March 31, 2022. Photo by GoFundMe / Family photo
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Calgary police have charged a young man in connection with the shooting death of 16-year-old Jal Acor Jal last week.
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The suspect, who cannot be named under the Juvenile Justice Act, is charged with second-degree murder and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday. Police found Jal dead March 31 at around 8:30 p.m., following reports of an injury in a green area behind the 100 block of Arbor Meadows Close NW The suspect was taken into custody on Tuesday, after police carried out a search warrant at a home regarding her search. The arrest came the day after Jal’s family appealed to residents of northwestern Calgary to examine the security material and provide any information that could help in the investigation into the deadly shooting. On Wednesday, family members gathered to meet with reporters and thank police and the community for their role in the arrest.
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Family spokesman Akeir Kuol said they knew nothing about the accused or why Jal had been killed. “We do not yet have answers as to why Jal Jal had to die; we have not seen the accused, we do not know his name yet,” Kuol said. “Everyone asks the same questions.” And although Kuol said the arrest gave the family “a breath of fresh air, so start organizing his funeral,” they said they were still very numb about the death of a high school sportsman in St. Francis to be thrilled by the news. “There is no emotion; with Jal not here, there is nothing that can make us feel better,” said Achan Jal, the teen’s aunt who lived with him. She and other relatives talked about Jal as if he were still alive. “He is very out there, it is very easy to talk to him – if you do not know him (you could) come and talk to him – so friendly, very kind.”
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His grandmother, who also lived with Jal with the teenager, said his loss was still sinking. “I do not believe it, my grandson left me,” he said, looking up at the sky. “I love you my grandson, I love you from the bottom of my heart – one day I will see you”. As he spoke, Jal’s father sat in despair, a white rosary hung from his jacket pocket while his mother, Achang Jal, said he was moving from Lethbridge to Calgary to be with her other children. “It was difficult – (of Jal Jal) a wonderful boy – everyone thinks he’s my favorite,” he said. The Calgary Police Homicide Unit searched Lake Arbor to collect CCTV footage and speak to witnesses, working closely with Jal’s family and friends during the search. “We would like to thank Jal’s family, friends and community for trusting us to find answers. “We could not have done this without their help and without the help of Lake Arbor residents,” said Sgt, of the homicide unit. said Sean Gregson in a press release.
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“While we are grateful that we were able to bring answers to his family, this is a sad conclusion to an already tragic event.” Jal was a student at St. Francis and a member of the school’s junior basketball and soccer teams. In a statement to Postmedia, the Calgary Catholic School District said it was saddened by the loss of a student, adding that counselors had been made available to support the students. A monument to Jal has been erected at the school. Speaking to the media on Monday, Jal’s family members described the teenager as a compassionate and beloved member of his community. “His presence would illuminate the room when he entered. His soul was so pure. Jal was so affectionate and thoughtful. “He did very little to make everyone smile because he was by nature a friendly and affectionate person,” said Achan Acor Jal, one of Jal’s aunts.
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“He recently talked to his family and coaches about continuing the basketball game in the United States. We love Jal Jal so much. “He misses his friends and family.” A GoFundMe campaign launched by the family had raised more than $ 19,000 to fund Jal’s funeral expenses and support. Jal’s death was the first in a series of shootings in Calgary last week, though police said they did not believe the three recent killings were linked. The family said a funeral was scheduled for April 23 and that everyone in the audience was invited. “(Jal Jal) would like the whole city to attend, the whole country,” Kuol said. – With records by Stephanie Babych and Bill Kaufmann [email protected] Twitter: @jasonfherring
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