‘His soul was so pure’: Calgary family looking for answers following death of 16-year-old

The family of a young man murdered last week in Calgary is pleading for help in trying to find the person responsible.

On Thursday, 16-year-old Jal Acor Jal was found dead in a green space in the northwest Calgary community of Arbour Lake.

Related article: Calgary teen’s death suspicious after body found in Arbour Lake

Information surrounding the teen’s death is still minuscule, but Jal’s family took time on Monday to ask for any information that could help fill in some of the gaps.

“His presence would light up the room when he enters,” said Achan Jal, the teen’s aunt. She spoke heavily about the character of the former St. Francis High School student, one that is certain to be missed in the hallways.

“His soul was so pure. Jal was so loving and thoughtful, he did very little to make everyone smile because he was naturally a friendly and affectionate person.”

He played football and basketball at St. Francis and his family says he had intentions to pursue them further after high school.

“He recently discussed with his family and coaches about continuing his basketball in the States,” she added.

Jal said the teen was living with his grandmother while his father had ailing health and his mother is living in Lethbridge. He maintained a close relationship with the family and was always a shoulder to lean on.

“He would be the first to say good morning, and the first to say good morning and the first to comfort her when she was heartbroken or in physical pain.”

Jal’s death is leaving a void in the community as a whole, and there is little understanding right now as to why this could have happened.

“This tragedy has broken so many hearts, we never saw this day coming, no one is ever prepared to lose a 16-year-old,” said Akeir Mel Kuol, another relative of Jal’s. “It would mean so much to understand why this happened.”

Calgary police say they have spent the last several days interviewing schoolmates, coaches, teammates, and members of the public who have come forward with more information.

On Monday, Staff Sgt. Sean Gregson said they can’t confirm if the teen’s death was gang-related, but they do believe it was targeted.

“I can’t get into the details of what we’ve learned so far, but the evidence that we have so far leads us to that conclusion,” he said.

Another question raised was if Jal’s death had anything to do with a pair of other deaths that happened in quick succession at the end of the week. But Gregson says there is no reason to believe they are connected.

Related article: One dead in Calgary Friday shooting; third suspicious death in 2 days, say police

Calgary police are asking anyone who may have more information on Jal’s death to come forward. That includes anybody who saw suspicious activity on Thursday night between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. in the area of Arbour Meadows Close, Schubert Close, and Scenic View Close.

Kuol said she is hopeful somebody else can come forward with crucial clues.

“It would mean so much to also put awareness to the community of how dangerous it is out there and also awareness as a mother of four, I fear for my children as well.”

Anyone who also may have doorbell camera footage from Thursday between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. in the same areas are being asked to contact police at 403-266-1234.