Memorial for Jannai Dopwell-Bailey, one year after the teenager’s death

Loved ones gathered to remember Jannai Dopwell-Bailey on Tuesday, exactly one year after his death.

The teen was fatally stabbed outside his Côte-des-Neiges high school on Oct. 18, 2021.

Two suspects were charged with second-degree murder. One of them was a minor.

Dopwell-Bailey’s family and friends gathered at Programme Mile End on Van Horne for the memorial.

“I’m still going through it,” said Tyrese Dopwell-Bailey, Jannai’s brother. “Questions don’t have answers just because it’s still happening. I’m still crying, I’m still missing him, wounded, and that’s OK.”

“Jannai was loved,” added his cousin Onica John. “He was not a trouble maker, 16-year-old enjoying his life. He loved dancing.”

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At the memorial people lay blue flowers – Dopwell-Bailey’s favourite colour  – and lit candles.

The high school planted a garden in his honour. They plan on eventually erecting a bench in his memory.

“It’s going to be long and difficult… we’re always going to be reminded, it’s always going to be here when you walk down the street,” said John.

“The case is still going on. We don’t have final closure. We’re still stuck in ‘what next.'”