South Sudanese community calls for ‘justice’ in fatal stabbing case
KITCHENER – About 75 people marched through downtown Kitchener on Wednesday to press for “justice” in a recent homicide.
John James, 19, an immigrant from South Sudan, was stabbed to death around midnight May 12 in a park behind Cameron Heights Collegiate in Kitchener.
Zachary Schultz, 18, has been charged with manslaughter, but was released on bail just one day after his arrest.
The case has angered members of the local South Sudanese community, which numbers about 3,000 people.
Relatives of James have been told by authorities that he may have been stabbed while committing a robbery with a fake handgun.
But they don’t believe that account and question why Schultz was released from custody so quickly.
During a loud but peaceful march to Victoria Park, protesters waved signs and chanted “justice for Johnny” while police on bikes, horses and foot looked on.
Dead teenager’s supporters raise concerns at courthouse
About 15 relatives and members of the local South Sudanese community gathered Tuesday to question circumstances surrounding the weekend death of a 19-year-old man.
John James was pronounced dead shortly after he was found late Saturday night in a park behind Cameron Heights Collegiate in Kitchener.
A second teenager, Zachary Schultz, 18, has been charged with manslaughter in connection to what police have described as an altercation.
In an unusual move, a Crown prosecutor consented to the release of Schultz — a college student with no criminal record — on just $2,500 bail Monday.
The immediate family of James — including his mother and two older sisters — met with prosecutor Mark Poland at police headquarters Tuesday afternoon.
Meanwhile, a group of other supporters gathered at the Kitchener courthouse to question the release of Schultz and other aspects of the case.
“It’s a heartbreak for all South Sudanese here to lose this young man,” said William Chuol, pastor at Hope Lutheran Church, which has a large Sudanese contingent. “We want justice.”
James and his family, who came to Canada from Sudan, were members of the Kitchener church.
His uncle, Puoch Ruot, 25, said many people are confused and angry that Schultz was freed from custody so quickly.
“That is why we are really shocked,” said Ruot, who lives with the James family in Cambridge.
He said supporters are also upset they weren’t told Schultz was having a bail hearing, which was held two days earlier than first scheduled.
Several relatives at the courthouse were overcome with emotion as other members of the group talked to reporters.
Schultz, a slight teen with long hair, is scheduled to make his next court appearance June 15.
Alleged details of the incident Saturday night came out at his bail hearing, but are subject to a publication ban.
Martha James, the eldest of four children who helped raise her younger brother, said her brother was a kind, loving person. A graduate of KCI, he wanted to be a mechanical engineer, she said.
“I raised Johnny with my mom. I loved him with all my heart. I never imagined this could happen,” the sister said.
| South Sudanese community calls for ‘justice’ in fatal stabbing case Waterloo Record John James, 19, an immigrant from South Sudan, was stabbed to death around midnight May 12 in a park behind Cameron Heights Collegiate in Kitchener. Zachary Schultz, 18, has been charged with manslaughter, but was released on bail just one day after … |
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