Devon Marsman's mother says she may never have closure as celebration of life held for teen

To Theresa Gray, celebrating the life of her 16-year-old son, Devon Sinclair Marsman, made her "feel the love" of her community. But she says it doesn't feel like closure.

Marsman was last seen on Feb. 24, 2022, in the Spryfield area of Halifax, and was reported missing the following week. The teen's remains were found last fall. 

Five people have been charged in connection with his disappearance and killing.

"I'm not sure if I'm ever going to have closure," Gray said Sunday in an interview at a church hall where a celebration of life was held for her son.

"Even after the trials and whatever happens in the trials, I don't get my son back."

Family, friends and members of the community gathered at Saint Agnes Church hall to remember Marsman, who was described in his obituary as someone who "loved to pull pranks and always had the most contagious laugh."

The gathering was a mix of happiness and sadness, said Gray, with people crying, sharing funny anecdotes, and calling for justice. Many wore custom shirts bearing Marsman's face and age. 

Dressed in black and wearing pins with his portrait were many of Marsman's close friends.

Gage Mamye recalled his childhood friend as "a kind soul" who was like a brother. Mamye said the celebration of life was an important step in helping Marsman's friends move forward.

"Everybody was a little bit of a mess when we were looking for him. So now that he's finally back home with his parents, it's a bit of relief to be able to celebrate him that way," he said in an interview.

At the end of the ceremony, Mamye and other friends and family released 16 white pigeons, representing the 16 years Marsman lived. 

Police initially stated there was no indication of foul play after Marsman went missing, but eight months after his disappearance, they said the case was suspicious.

Treyton Alexander Marsman, 26, was charged last year with second-degree murder, indignity to human remains and obstruction of justice. Police previously confirmed there is a "familial relationship" between Devon Marsman and Treyton Marsman, but they would not elaborate.

A 20-year-old man is facing charges of accessory after the fact to murder and obstructing justice. He cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act because he was a youth at the time of the alleged offences.

Emma Maria Meta Casey, 23, is facing charges of accessory after the fact to murder, indignity to human remains and obstructing justice.

Chelsey Herritt, 26, has been charged with accessory after the fact to murder and indignity to human remains.

A fifth accused, 40-year-old Mark Douglas Robert Doyle, was charged in March with accessory after the fact to murder.

Police have not said where Devon Marsman's remains were found, citing ongoing court proceedings.

His mother said the wait for answers has been frustrating, and she hopes justice will be served. In the meantime, Gray said she is appreciative of the support her family has received.

"I knew that the outcome of love would be here today," she said Sunday. "Devon has a Facebook page with close to 8,000 people, and the people that shared his name and shared his story over three years was amazing from the beginning."