‘I still don’t want to believe it’: community gathers to remember 15-year-old murder victim

People in Perth gathered for a somber vigil Sunday afternoon, marking one year since 15-year-old Reese Stanzel was murdered. CTV’s Katelyn Wilson reports.

One year after the murder of 15-year-old Reese Stanzel, the community in Perth came together for a vigil in his honour.

The gathering took place at 2 p.m. on Sunday at Darou Farm, the Perth Dog Park, and was organized by the Perth & District Community Partners.

Reese’s brother was one attendee at the vigil, and he says it’s still tough to believe his brother has passed.

“I still don’t want to believe it, it’s that hard. I look around at my bedroom at our dad’s, and I’m like ‘when is he coming home? He should be home by now,’ and that’s when it hits me,” Reese’s brother Ryan Stanzel said.

“Seeing everyone in the community come together makes me so happy.”

The Perth Dog Park officially opened this fall and was a project the 15-year-old had supported.

“I think he’d have a huge smile on his face and he’d be just loving seeing all these dogs enjoying the space here,” said Tania Cadeau, chairperson of the Friends of the Perth Dog Park.

“I would hope that he is watching and seeing what we’ve accomplished and that he was at least a small part of that.”

Reese’s grandmother Cheryl Wood was also present at the vigil in the Perth Dog Park, and she said her grandson had a love for the animals.

“He loved dogs, he loved to be out here, and he was kind. He would help people,” Wood said.

The ceremony featured remarks from local leaders, a poetry reading and live music, followed by the dedication of a memorial bench in Stanzel’s honour by Mayor Judy Brown.

“This is just so typical of what people are like in Perth. They’re so neighbourly and caring, he’ll never be forgotten,” Brown said.

Stanzel was found dead on Oct. 25, 2024, near North Street North and Sherbrooke Street East, on the outskirts of Perth.

A 16-year-old, whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was later charged with first-degree murder.

“This gathering is about more than remembrance, it’s a show of support for the Stanzel family and a testament to the strength and compassion of our town,” the Town of Perth’s Director of Community Services Cathy McNally said on the town’s website. “Together, we reflect on the past and look ahead with hope.”

Stanzel was described as a “son, brother, grandson, nephew, co-worker and friend to many.”

“Reese had a heart of gold and wouldn’t think twice in helping anyone around him. He had a passion for hunting and fishing,” said a donation page that launched following Stanzel’s death. “You would often see Reese biking around Perth, walking to and from school and greeting customers while working at The Butcher’s Edge.”

Counsellors were on site during Sunday’s vigil to support anyone in need.