Marchers remember slain community volunteer

Hundreds of people took to the streets of north-end Dartmouth Wednesday night for the annual march against violence.

The march is held every year in honour of Jason MacCullough, a 19-year old who was killed while walking through a park near Pinecrest Drive six years ago.

"My friend Jason was killed a few years ago in Pinehill Park so I come here to support," said Tania Anthony, who described MacCullough as a funny guy and a commited community volunteer.

MacCullough was shot in the back of the head while walking home Aug. 28, 1999. Police officers found his body on a paved path around 2:30 a.m.

Despite repeated calls for witnesses to come forward and two reward offers, MacCullough's killer has not been caught.

The Candlelight March Against Violence is held every year in his memory. The site where he was killed was officially renamed Jason MacCullough Memorial Park last October.

Jason's parents, Allan and Carolyn MacCullough, joined the crowd of about 500 for Wednesday's march. They walked hand in hand and admitted they had mixed feelings about the night.

"I'm glad that there is an awareness of violence, to bring the streets back to us. But at the same time it's just another reminder that Jason is not with us," said Allan MacCullough.

Still, he said it's this kind of community action that ends violent crime.

Anthony has faith in her community and still feels safe living in her neighbourhood.

"I grew up in this community down the road from Harbourview School and I can't think of a better community to grow up in," she said.