Emotion flows at vigil for baby boy killed in Saskatoon

A memorial was held in Saskatoon last night to remember a six-week old baby boy killed on Sunday.

Nikosis Jace Cantre was found injured around 7 a.m. CST on Sunday in Saskatoon's College Park neighbourhood after a report was made to police. He was taken to hospital where police said he died of his injuries.

A 16-year-old girl is charged with second-degree murder in relation to his death.

She had escaped from the city's Kilburn Hall youthdetention centre at 12:45 a.m.Saturday, according to the provincial government, where she had been serving a previous sentence.

She had previously escaped lawful custody in February for which she received 60 days in secure custody, according to the province.

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The baby's grandfather, Jeffery Longman, spoke at the vigil Tuesday night to a crowd of supporters holding candles or stuffed toys.

"I'd like to thank everybody for coming out and showing their support to my daughter and son-in-law. Such a big loss, our grandson. We honour him tonight," Longman said.

"Such a tragedy. Hurts right here," he said, tapping his chest.

The accused was in court yesterday with charges including second-degree murder, escape from lawful custody and consuming drugs and alcohol.

The baby's grandfather told reporters outside court that his family did not know the accused killer, and his daughters had just met her downtown over the weekend.

"I raised my children to respect, to help out people in need," he told reporters outside court.

The accused returns to court next week.

Timeline

• The girl ran away from Kilburn Hall at 12:45 a.m. CST on Saturday.
• Saskatoon police were called about the escapee at 12:48 a.m.
• A baby boy was found injured in the 200 block of Waterloo Crescent around 7 a.m. Sunday.
• Police laid a second-degree murder charge against a 16-year-old girl Sunday evening.