Family of slain 16-year-old Calgarian pleads for anyone with information to come forward

The family of the 16-year-old who was murdered last week made a heartfelt plea for the public’s help in solving his death.

Jal Acor Jal was found dead by emergency responders at 8:30 p.m. last Thursday at the greenspace behind the 100 block of Arbour Meadows Close NW. Police haven’t made any arrests yet.

His family and friends spoke at a press conference held by police on Monday, sharing details about the teen and making a plea for help from the public.

The victim was known for putting other people before himself

The family says Jal was a loving and thoughtful young man who dreamed of playing basketball or football in the United States.

“His presence lit up the room when he entered and his soul was so pure,” said his aunt Achan Jal. “Jal was so loving and thoughtful. He did very little to make everyone smile because he was naturally a friendly and affectionate person.”

Jal’s family is thanking the community and investigators for their support, appreciating the sympathy from the people who had an impact on Jal’s life.

The family also asked for the community’s help in finding those responsible for Jal’s death, asking anyone with information, even the smallest details, to come forward.

A shocking death

Staff Sgt. Sean Gregson said the teen’s death is shocking, adding it is tragic to lose someone at such a young age in this manner.

Over the last four days, Gregson says police have spoken to many people involved in Jal’s life, including coaches and friends who echo the sentiments of the family about who Jal was as a person.

“One coach remembered meeting Jal when he was 10 years old, having never played football before. The coach was full of pride remembering how Jal became one of the best players on the team,” Gregson said.

“Jal has been described as a kind, respectful, and easy-to-coach youth with dreams of playing football or basketball in the United States, first on scholarship, and then one day professionally.”

The investigation is ongoing

While Gregson says the police are working hard investigating this case, he reiterated the family’s plea for the public’s help.

“We need the public’s assistance to be successful. Investigators are asking if anybody has any information about this incident,” Gregson said. “No matter how minor you think it may be, please come forward and report it to the police.”

Police are still combing the area for evidence, but Gregson is asking for people to check their dashcam footage and doorbell cam footage, and check their properties for any suspicious items that may have been discarded.

While Jal’s death was part of a string of three murders last weekend, Gregson doesn’t see any connection between them. While police believe the death doesn’t seem random, they are investigating all avenues.

A GuFundMe campaign has been launched to help the family

Jal’s family is running a GoFundMe to raise money for his funeral and to help support his loved ones during a difficult time. The goal is $70,000 and over $16,000 has been raised so far.

“The family is in great shock and in total heartbreak of this incident. There are no words, and no emotions to explain the pain we are in,” the GoFundMe campaign reads.

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