A vigil was held outside a church in Scarborough to honor the memory of a 19-year-old man who was fatally shot at a mall in August. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow spoke at the gathering, praising Daniel Amalathas as a generous individual with a bright future. Amalathas, who was discovered deceased in a family restroom at Scarborough Town Centre, was remembered for his caring nature and ambitious aspirations.
Chow emphasized Amalathas’ selflessness, mentioning how he cooked meals for his family, provided rides to his younger sister, and cherished his dog. She condemned the gun violence that cut short his life, stating that such acts have no place in the city as they devastate dreams and cause immense pain to families and communities.
Following the tragic incident, two 17-year-old boys were arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with Amalathas’ death. Chow urged for increased efforts to prevent the influx of illegal firearms from the U.S. and address the root causes of violence to ensure community safety.
Coun. Neethan Shan expressed his condolences to Amalathas’ family, describing him as a potential community leader whose life was tragically ended by gun violence. Amalathas’ mother, Judin Basil, described him as a kind-hearted and helpful young man who was pursuing a degree in automotive engineering.
As the investigation into the case continues, Const. Laura Brabant confirmed that there are no new developments at this time. The vigil served as a touching tribute to Amalathas, highlighting the impact of gun violence on individuals and communities while calling for collective action to prevent such tragedies in the future.
