The death of the toddler fatally shot Monday in Bois-des-Filion has cast a shadow over the “Canadian dream” of his family, who hoped for a better life here.
• Also read: 3-year-old toddler dead in Bois-des-Filion: The little victim was visiting the family
• Also read: Bois-des-Filion: Three young people arrested over the shooting death of a three-year-old boy
Little Aksel, 3 years old, was allegedly the victim of his own cousin’s criminal negligence when he was tragically felled by firing a banned weapon.
“It’s terrible, I can’t believe this is happening,” says Idir Otmani, the little victim’s father, on the phone.
Stuffed animals were left near the crime scene on Tuesday. MAXIME DELAND/AGENCE QMI
The man is currently in Algeria with his two daughters, aged seven and ten. About four months ago, his wife and their three-year-old “baby” arrived in Canada after receiving their travel visas. Since then they have been living with the lady’s brother. They have since taken steps to obtain their citizenship.
“The ultimate goal was to all land in Canada together and build a good life,” explains Mr. Otmani, adding that he and his daughters are still waiting for their visas.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY FAMILY
Like the apple of her eye
Since his arrival in Bois-des-Filion, little Aksel is probably perfectly happy with his 19-year-old cousins, his twins and his 17-year-old cousin. The toddler’s father emphasizes that they looked after the little one like the apple of their eyes.
“They looked after him so well, they took him for walks, they bought him presents, they babysat him a lot. I have nothing to say, they were wonderful with Aksel.”
On Tuesday, Yacine Mehennaoui, the victim’s cousin, was formally charged at the Laval courthouse.
Portrait of Yacine Mehennaoui, 19, charged with criminal negligence causing death, possession of a loaded illegal firearm and obstruction of justice. Photo from Abdelhak Mehennaoui’s Facebook account
The 19-year-old was charged with criminal negligence causing death, possession of a loaded illegal firearm and obstruction of justice for attempting to destroy evidence. His twin sister and sister were also arrested, but investigators have released them without charges at this time.
According to our information, at least one person tried to get rid of the murder weapon shortly after the tragedy. This was the subject of intensive searches yesterday near the apartment building on 34th Avenue where the tragedy occurred. Divers from the Sûreté du Québec were called to help comb the Mille-Îles River, which borders the residential area. She still hasn’t been found.
Divers from the Sûreté du Québec were on site to comb the Mille-Îles River. Photo agency QMI, Maxime Deland
Despite the circumstances, Idir Otmani is categorical: what happened was an accident and little Aksel’s cousins would never have wanted to harm him.
“I don’t blame them at all, I’m sure there is an explanation for everything,” insists the man, who was completely unaware that there was a gun in the apartment where his son and wife lived.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY FAMILY
A visa for the funeral
While he awaits trial, the father hopes with all his heart to receive a visa in time for little Aksel’s funeral. Despite humanitarian reasons, the procedures can be lengthy – according to the Immigration and Citizenship Canada website, the processing time for Algeria is several months.
“I will try to work with my wife to stretch as much as possible, but at some point it will be necessary. I can’t imagine missing my child’s funeral.”
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