Two teens charged in murder of 16-year-old Nash Dunlop appear in Guelph court

Two 17-year-old boys from Guelph faced a court appearance Wednesday in connection with the second-degree murder of teenager Nash Dunlop. The case returns to court Oct. 14.

Two Guelph teens in court over second-degree murder of Nash Dunlop

Two 17-year-old boys from Guelph, Ontario appeared in court Wednesday in connection with the second-degree murder of 16-year-old Nash Dunlop, cbc.ca reports.

The pair appeared by video while a representative for their lawyer addressed the court. Both teens remain in custody. Details of what was said during the proceeding cannot be reported due to a publication ban, and the accused cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The case is scheduled to return to court on October 14.

Emergency crews were called to Wellington Road 29 — south of Fergus and south of Eramosa-Garafraxa Townline — shortly after midnight on September 19, following reports that a person had been struck by a minivan. A 16-year-old boy from Puslinch Township was transported to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. CBC News confirmed through a close family friend that Dunlop was the teenager killed that night. The two 17-year-olds were charged on September 26.

In the days following Dunlop's death, dozens of tributes poured in from community members and basketball organizations he had been part of. A cross bearing the name "Nash," several initials, and the words "see you soon" was placed on a hydro pole along Wellington Road 29, alongside a pair of basketball shoes and flowers.

Franklyn Clarke, a coach with Vanguard North Basketball, a Toronto-area academy, said Dunlop had been set to play in the program's prep season this fall. "He was just a great kid and we were looking forward to him playing with us," Clarke told CBC News. "He had his whole life ahead of him and beside him being a good basketball player, from what I saw when I met him, he was just a phenomenal kid."

The Guelph Youth Basketball Association described Dunlop in a statement as "a gifted athlete who brought energy, determination and passion to everything he did."

Mental health support sessions were organized in the wake of his death. The Waterloo-Wellington branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association and The Nightingale Centre held a support evening for students at John F. Ross Collegiate Vocational Institute, where Dunlop was enrolled, and their families. A second session took place at St. James Catholic High School. The Upper Grand District School Board confirmed that counsellors and support staff remain available at the school for students and staff.

Police have said the investigation is ongoing.

Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)