Young Calgarian charged in death of boy in Arbour Lake
Posted Apr 6, 2022 11:40 am.
Last Updated Apr 6, 2022 1:12 pm.
A Calgary boy has been charged in the death of teen boy who was found murdered last week in the northwest community of Arbour Lake.
Last Thursday, 16-year-old Jal Acor Jal was found dead in a green space in the neighbourhood.
After scouring through CCTV footage, speaking with potential witnesses and working closely with Jal’s family, police executed a search warrant on a home on Tuesday.
Related article: ‘His soul was so pure’: Calgary family looking for answers following death of 16-year-old
During the search warrant, a young boy was taken into custody. The boy, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been charged with second-degree murder in relation to the homicide.
He is due to appear in court on Thursday.
Earlier this week, Jal’s family looked to the public for help in solving the murder. They spoke heavily about Jal and how much he will be missed.
“His presence would light up the room when he enters,” said Achan Jal, the teen’s aunt.
“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.
– With files from Tom Ross
