Mourners hold candlelight vigil for slain Toronto teen

At Keele Station, there was a candlelight vigil for Gabriel Magalhaes, the Toronto teen who was stabbed to death by a stranger while waiting for a train.

Mourners gathered on Thursday evening in memory of the teen who was killed five days earlier. A man has been charged with first-degree murder in Magalhaes’ death.

Mourners attending the vigil walked from High Park to Keele station where Magalhaes was killed on Saturday, March 25. People came bundled in scarves, and winter coats, holding candles in their mittened hands. Classmates showed up first, some with parents, others with friends. As the crowd grew, the media secured its place at the corner of Bloor Street and High Park Avenue.

The vigil was led by Gabriel’s mother, Andrea Magalhaes. She was flanked by supporters, family, and friends.

She was joined by her hospital co-worker Mellisa Blow, and Gabriel’s friend, Daniel Bezerra. Bezerra expressed his fears that the tragedy of his friend’s death will be forgotten. “People (will) just say it’s tragic and just move on.” While others called for change, Blow pleaded with the people to hold candidates in the upcoming election accountable. “Vote for someone who is going to do something.”

As the procession marched, people memorialized Gabriel by carrying candles. Some reporters walked in step asking questions while others staked the best shot as the crowd moved down the hill eastbound to Keele Station.

Inside the station, the turnstiles were left open for the crowd to gather. Andrea put a wreath in the place where her son was killed. She sat and hugged her son’s young friend, the one who was with him that night. As she got up to leave, Andrea cried out and collapsed, hugging the cold green steel bench where her son died.

Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Canada national president John Di Nino has been calling for a national task force to investigate the rise in transit attacks since January.

Jordan O’Brien-Tolbin, 22, is charged with first-degree murder.