2nd-degree murder charge laid in Michael Wassill death

A 20-year-oldOttawa man is facing an upgraded charge of second-degree murder in the death of Michael Wassill, also 20,who was stabbed in the neck on May 15while his family said he was protecting a friend.

Wassilldied in hospital more than a week laterafter suffering irreversible brain damage.

Carson Morin wasoriginally charged with attempted murderand possessing a weapon dangerous to public peace.

The attempted murder chargehas beenupgraded to second-degree murder after Wassill died in hospital last week and police consulted witha Crown attorney.

On the Facebook page initially set up by Wassill's family to provide updates about his condition, they posted information about memorial and funeral services set for this week.

A tribute will be held at Beechwood Cemetery from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, and the funeral will be held at Beechwood on Thursday afternoon.

He leaves behind his father, Rene Wassill, his mother, Betty-Ann Wassill, and two older sisters: Sarah and Danielle Wassill.

"In his 20 short years, Michael leaves a legacy that many people could not claim even after leading a long and full life," the family posted on the Facebook page.

"His tightly knit group of friends and family gravitated towards his gentle and comforting nature, and in his final days, the larger Ottawa community was touched by his final deed of heroism. If we can take anything from this tragedy, it is that the world would be a kinder place if we followed Mike's lead by protecting and sheltering others in need."