Michael Menjivar's family learned of his death from media reports - Action News
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Toronto

Michael Menjivar's family learned of his death from media reports

The family of the 15-year-old Toronto teen slain Tuesday during a shooting in the citys northwest said theyve had little contact with police or the school board since learning of his death.

'He was the most wonderful kid,' said his uncle Roberto

Roberto Menjivar, uncle to Michael Menjivar, a 15-year-old Toronto student killed in the city's northwest on Monday, said that more needs to be done to prevent gun violence among teens. (CBC)

The family of a15-year-old Toronto teen slain Mondayafter a shooting in the citys northwest said theyve had little contact with police or the school board since learning of his death.

Michael Menjivar was killed Monday after gunfire rang out in a field near Don Bosco Catholic Secondary School shortly after 12 p.m., where a group of teens had reportedly gathered to watch a fight. Zaid Youssef, 17, was also killed in the shooting.

Menjivar, a student at James Cardinal McGuigan High School,only ended up at the scene of the shooting after waking up late for school and tagging along with a friend, according to the teens uncle Roberto Menjivar.

He did not deserve this. He had no involvement in anything that occurred, Roberto Menjivar told CBC News.

Michael Menjivar, 15, was shot to death in northwest Toronto on Oct. 6, 2014. (Toronto Police Handout)
He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, and he had to pay with his life ... He was the most wonderful kid you'll ever meet in your life he loved everybody."

While its unclear what started the confrontation that allegedly took place between two groups of students from the schools, police said Tuesday it may have been initiated on social media and quickly escalated.

'We are supposed to be safe here'

Roberto Menjivar said Tuesdaythat his family has not yet heard from the Toronto District Catholic School Board directly, and that on Monday they only learned about Michaels death from media reports.

His parents had to be in the hospital, waiting for hours and hours to find out exactly what occurred Its such a shame that the media was able to find out before his own parents what was going on with him, Roberto Menjivar said.

Despite their frustrations, they remain hopeful that those responsible for his nephews death will face justice.

A double shooting that left two young males dead happened behind an apartment building near two schools, in the area of Dixon Road and Islington Avenue, just after 12:30 p.m. ET Monday. (Steven D'Souza/CBC)
We have faith the cops will do what they have to do to ensure these people pay for what they have done, for the pain they have caused these families. Its unjust. he said.

This is Canada, we are supposed to be safe here.

Police are currently searching for multiple people they believe were involved in the shootings, and said Tuesday they may release security footage and image to assist in the search for those individuals.

With files from CBC's Shannon Martin