Tears flow at candlelight vigil for Hannah Leflar, teen homicide victim
People gathered at Thom Collegiate
An emotion-filled candlelight vigil for Hannah Leflar took place in Regina Monday. The 16-year-old was found dead in a nearby home one week ago. Two 16-year-old boys have been charged with first degree murder.
The vigil began at 5:43 p.m. CST. It's the same time of day police and other emergency workers were called to a home on the 400 block of Garnet Street North on Jan. 12. That's where paramedics confirmed the girl was dead.
Leflar, a grade 11 student at Thom, was described as a "happy little girl" in an obituary published Saturday.
"Though shy [she] warmed up quickly to people and touched everyone she met throughout her short life," the notice said. "She was growing into a bright, beautiful, confident young woman."
A group of people, estimated at over 100, made their way from Thom to nearby Garnet Street. Many shed tears as candles were set down outside of Leflar's home.
Hannah's parents have expressed gratitude for the community's support.
The people behind the vigil are former students of Thom who are adults now with youngsters currently at the school.
"My son was friends with her and I need to do something for healing for the kid," Candace Nagy, one of the organizers of the vigil, told CBC News Monday. "[And] healing for the parents ... I can't imagine having to bury my child."
Another organizer, Janeen Winder, said that while she did not know the youth who died she felt an urge to participate in something at the nearby high school.
"I have a daughter that attends here that is the same age," Winder said. "And it just hits close to home."
Two 16-year-old boys have been charged with first degree murder in her death.
A funeral is scheduled for Thursday.