Jasmine Crescent rally calls for end to violence after recent killings

Carrying signs that read, "Our city supports Jasmine," hundreds of people walked the length of Jasmine Cresent on Sunday calling for an end to youth violence and gang-related crime.

The east Ottawastreet has been home to three homicides in less than a year.

"We're not going to tolerate a bunch ofcriminals coming into our neighbourhood and shooting and stabbing and killing people. It's not acceptable," Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson told the crowd.

The parents of themost recent shooting victim on Jasmine Crescent,NooredinHassan,said they'vebeen overwhelmed by the support, but continue to search for answers.

"We need justice. We need the police of Canada. They don't say 'Oh he'sSomalian,kid dies.' It's not Somalian kids. He [was] born in Canada," said Hassan's mother, Miryam Hassan.

Residents marched the length of the street ending at Gloucester High School, where Hassan had attended.

His mother sobbed at the idea of going inside.

'Trying to find a solution'

Police have not made any arrests in the case. Still, Hassan's fatherAbdulle Sharifsays he is encouraged by the turn out.

"This is very important for us. At least we have a voice today. We have another voice," he said.

Many of the marchers have a connection with one or more of the three young men who died over the last year.

Issaiah Clachar, 17, died after being stabbed several timesoutsidethe highrise apartment building at 2000 Jasmine Cr., in September of last year.Another man was also seriously injured but survived.

Connor Stevenson, 18, was stabbed to deathin the stairwell of the neighbouringhighrisea 2020 JasmineCres., in April 2015.DavidDubois, 19, was charged with second-degree murderin Stevenson's death.

Stevenson played rugby atGloucester High School, and some of his teammates marched in his honour on Sunday.

Curtis Maurich said the march was way to help everyone grieve, and try to move forward.

"Everybody is really in shock and I guess everyone istrying to find a solution right now," he said.