Hundreds of mourners gathered at Howe Sound Secondary School on Saturday (April 7) afternoon to celebrate the memory of, local high school student Sam Eves, who was tragically killed late last month.
Friends and family of Eves gathered in the school's main concourse to pay tribute to the 16 year-old's memory.
An estimated 400 to 500 people attended the service, with some friends traveling from across the country to attend and pay their respects.
Cars lined Government Avenue and nearly half of those who were in attendance stood through the service, as mourners packed the school to say their goodbyes.
The service was emotionally charged with many of Eves' classmates and teachers breaking into tears, exchanging hugs and consoling one another.
A number of speakers struggled to find their words as they tried to reflect on their experiences with Eves.
The tragic circumstances of his death were often referred to, particularly the senselessness of his passing.
During the memorial Eves was remembered for his athleticism, particularly his love of soccer, as well as being a solid friend and popular student.
Eves, who was in Grade 11 at Howe Sound passed away at Vancouver General Hospital, following a fatal stabbing last month during an altercation on the evening of March 20 at residence on the 1000 block of Northridge Drive in Valleycliffe.
Ander Kumar Walker-Huria has since been charged with second-degree murder, after being arrested by RCMP following a 14-hour manhunt.
Walker-Huria had his second court appearance yesterday (April 12) at the North vancouver Provincial Court building."This was my client's remand date," said J. Martin Peters, defence counsel for Walker-Huria.
"My client appeared by video from the North Fraser Correctional centre. The case was adjourned until May 8."
At that time Crown prosecutor Monte Ruttan is expected to provide Walker-Huria and his lawyer with disclosure as to what the crown's case is.
According to Peters, the crown is still gathering further information in the case from RCMP and other police investigative services.
However, the initial investigative process should be complete in advance of the May 8 court date."We can't proceed further until I receive disclosure, and I can begin to prepare for a preliminary inquiry and have an idea how long that will take," said Peters.
Peters, who has over 20 years experience in criminal law, noted that given the nature of the case he expects that to be a lengthy process.
Walker-Huria will remain in custody until his next court date.
There has been no application before the courts regarding a possible bail hearing for the accused, as was initially rumoured. Even if Walker-Huria was to go through that process, the instances of bail being granted to the accused under second-degree murder charges is extremely rare.
