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A huge show of support for the family of Indigenous teenager Samuel Bird took place outside the Edmonton Courthouse on Monday as the man accused of his murder appeared in court for the first time.
Samuel, 14, went missing on June 1 and his remains were found west of Edmonton on Thursday.
Brian Clinton Farrell, 38, had his first appearance in court, but he did not turn up. Instead, his lawyer appeared on his behalf via video.
“I just wanted to see his face. Look at him,” said Kelvin Byrd, Samuel’s grandfather. “But he didn’t come on the screen. I just wanted to see… can I call him a beast – I don’t know what to call him. But I wanted to see his face.”
About 50 people rallied outside the court, many with banners. Some were members of Samuel’s family.
“Samuel wasn’t just another boy, he became everybody’s boy,” said Alana Bird, Samuel’s mother. “And I definitely see the love from everyone, and I appreciate everyone very much.”
There were many members of the public who had come just to show their support
“It’s so important to come out,” Blue Wentzel said. “I also believe that protest works as long as there is continuity and true community, as so many here today demonstrated.”
Some people wore ribbons in Samuel’s memory and demanded justice in the teenage boy’s death.
Farrell’s next court date has been scheduled for next month.
