The young man with no history, who was riddled with bullets in Montreal North on Wednesday, was deeply involved in his community, to the point where he attempted to start a hockey league for underprivileged children.
• Also read: [PHOTOS] Two simultaneous shootings: one dead and two wounded in northeast Montreal
Reached on the phone on Thursday afternoon, Ronide Casséus is inconsolable.
“Jayson was the son every mother dreams of,” she says in a conversation punctuated by sobs, moans and silences.
Photo courtesy of CDEC Montréal-Nord / Stefan Verna
Jayson Colin, victim
His only son, Jayson Colin, 26, was the victim of a wanton murder just before 11 p.m. while standing with three buddies on the playground at Lester B. Pearson High School.
The hooded suspect who, for reasons unknown, opened fire on the quartet fled and has not been found to this day.
The young man was taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Everything indicates that he was not targeted and, according to our information, the person could be mistaken.
A 25-year-old friend of his was taken to the hospital shortly afterwards with gunshot wounds. Since his life is not in danger, he could be seen by big detectives.
Ice Hockey Enthusiast
Ronide Casséus, a youth worker and lecturer, had instilled deep values in her son. The community aspect and the desire to help others have always been at the heart of her life.
Photo taken from Facebook
Ronide Casséus, mother of the victim
“He was a hockey fan, he knew everything about hockey. When he played in leagues in Montreal, he had experienced racism. To make peace with this, he had started organizing a league for underprivileged children. He had bought a lot of equipment and wanted to make this expensive sport accessible to everyone,” she says.
The news had the effect of bombing the Montreal North community and surrounding areas on Thursday morning.
“He was an example of a person who worked to improve the lot of Montreal North, to ensure that young people have a future and do not end up on the streets,” says Alexandre Jean-Richard, a great friend of the victim. [Jayson et sa mère] saved many young people like me. I grew up with them. »
Ironically, Jayson Colin himself condemned gun violence, a scourge that has persisted in Montreal in recent years.
“We often took part in meetings organized by organizations where we talked about racial profiling in particular, but also about armed violence,” recalls Sacha-Wilky Merazil, who knew the victim there a few years ago at a graffiti cleaning operation. He grew up in such events, he saw how his parents contributed to democratic and community life all his life. »
12 youths murdered
Jayson Colin has finally become the 12th young person, ages 16 to 30, to be murdered in Quebec since the beginning of the year.
“It’s a big loss, it’s really difficult,” says Mike Etienne, another friend. He was never involved in gang affairs, he was a quiet, careful guy who avoided trouble. Everyone respected and loved him. »
Aside from not having a criminal record, the victim was unknown in police circles.
– With Claudia Berthiaume
“Jayson was sunshine. He hangs out with decent people, people who talk business or have big plans like him. He had nothing to do with this violence and paid for it with his life. It’s horrible. »
– Ronide Casséus, mother of the victim
“It really could have happened to anyone. I hosted a basketball event at this location a few days ago and people chose not to come for fear of stray balls. There is fear and tension here. »
– Sacha-Wilky Merazil, friend of the victim
“Jayson was a dedicated young man, involved in a thousand and one projects, dedicated to the district and unparalleled in kindness. Like many other young people in our district, he showed great resilience. The shock is great for Montreal North. »
— Christine Black, Mayor of Montreal North, on her Facebook page
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