The 15-year-old accused killer, who cannot be legally identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, stood in court with two fingers bandaged on Tuesday and wearing a black Nike hoodie, as he made his first appearance on a second-degree murder charge stemming from Meldrum’s death on the weekend.
The teen was freed on $500 bail on April 13, 2018, one day after he allegedly used a knife to steal from another teen. The alleged victim cannot be identified for legal reasons.
The accused, who was coincidentally also scheduled to appear on his earlier robbery charge on Tuesday, moved gingerly in the prisoner’s box due to a healing back wound. He was remanded in custody until his next court appearance — via video — on Sept. 18.
Crown attorney Sarah Leece said the prosecution will be seeking an adult sentence for the youth on the alleged homicide.
His lawyer George Aristos said his client suffered an injury on Saturday night and was treated in hospital overnight, before police arrested him on the murder charge. The accused is being housed at the Roy McMurtry Youth Centre in Brampton.
Aristos said he expected the earlier, unrelated charge would soon be withdrawn. He asked the court to ensure his client receives “proper medical attention” for his healing injuries while in custody.
Meldrum was knifed to death in the west end in what his father Steve Meldrum called “a senseless act of violence.” It’s alleged the homicide occurred during a botched robbery.
Meldrum’s family has expressed their love for Meldrum who possessed a keen sense of humour and a gentle, kind way with younger relatives.
“This is the most confusing, surreal emotional experience that I could imagine any family going through,” wrote Jack’s cousin, Kelly Meldrum, on Facebook.
“I am at a complete loss for words, Jack Meldrum we will all miss you.”
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