'Wonderful angel': Markham girl killed in Danforth attack honoured by hometown

Markham mourns loss of 'angel' on Danforth A community reels after a 10-year-old girl who was out getting ice cream with her family was killed in the Danforth shooting.

Ten-year-old Julianna Kozis was a “beautiful, aspiring athlete” before she was shot and killed while dining with her family at a Danforth Avenue café.

Reese Fallon, an 18-year-old aspiring nurse, was a “light” to friends who said she had a “positive impact” on everyone she met.

Both victims of Sunday’s shooting that injured 13 people in Toronto’s Greektown are being remembered for how they lived.

The girl’s grieving family has requested privacy, but consented to the release of a photo of the wide-eyed, grinning child.

Kozis lived in Markham, northeast from Toronto, and was an active member of the Markham Synchro Club where she trained as a competitive swimmer.

A spokesperson said her loss has been a “traumatic event” for many at the club.

"We are profoundly saddened by the untimely and tragic death of one of our very young artistic swimmers,” a statement issued Wednesday read.

“Julianna was a beautiful, aspiring athlete who was in her third year in our sport. We ask that you join us in extending our thoughts and prayers to Julianna's family, friends and to the entire synchronized swimming community, as we offer them our full support during this tragic time."

Flags have been lowered to half-mast at Markham Civic Centre in honour of the little girl.

A book of condolence has also been placed on a table inside the building. Soft pink rose petals have been scattered around a smiling picture of Kozis placed on the table draped in white cloth.

One of Kozis’s neighbours was among the first to pen memories of her.

“She’s just a very sweet little soul,” the woman, who did not provide her name, said. “When I was taking my dog for a walk, she would be dancing out in front of the house – not a care in the world. She was just very sweet, just a lovely little girl who radiated a lot of beautiful energy.”

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti also took a moment to sign words of condolence and support for the Kozis family.

Scarpitti said the family and the wider community has lost a “wonderful angel.”

“I think when all of us saw her photograph, we saw everything that a 10-year-old represents. It’s a vibrant time in her life. You saw the beauty of a child in that photograph… You saw the pride that she obviously had with the medal she won,” he said.

“That picture said a lot… I think all of us, our hearts sank.”

When asked whether the city would find a permanent way to honour her memory, Scarpitti said it’s not out of the question but that the family deserves time to heal.

“Anything we do would obviously be with their blessing, so I think right now we want to give the family their time to deal with this horrific loss, the loss of an angel, and give them everything that they need in support during this difficult time,” he said.

Kozis was said to be with her family at Caffe Demetres, a popular spot for sweet crepes and coffee, when the sound of gunshots broke through the warm summer night.

A server at Caffe Demetres told CTV News Toronto that the girl was just finishing up her ice cream when bullets started flying through the front window.

“She was a very pretty girl, young – she looked very happy. I can’t stop thinking about her,” Diana Avram said.

“The only thing I want to do is go to her funeral, support her family and if they need anything let me know. I will support them with anything I can.”

Louise Sirisko, the director of education at the York Regional District School Board, echoed the offer of support.

Resources have been made available at the school board to help support families who are struggling to explain the tragedy to their children.

“Nothing prepares us for the news of a tragedy like the one that took place in Toronto Sunday, especially one that affects children and youth, and happened so close to home,” Sirisko said.

“There are few words to adequately express the depth of sorrow that we feel.”

Blue Jays lend a shoulder to victim’s family

Reese Fallon was the first of the two victims to be named. The 18-year-old was celebrating a friend’s birthday on Sunday night when the gunman stormed the neighbourhood and began firing at people and into restaurants.

In the days following her death, pieces of what the 18-year-old wanted for her life started to surface.

Fallon had dreams of becoming a nurse and those dreams came much closer to a reality earlier this year when she was accepted into Hamilton’s McMaster University.

Her Grade 12 English teacher said she specifically wanted to work in the mental health field.

“She would’ve been an exceptional nurse because she was a natural caregiver,” Anthony Parisi said. “Her future patients that would’ve been touched by her kindness and generosity are also at a loss.”

Along with academics, Fallon was an avid Toronto Blue Jays fan. In one of her Facebook photos, Fallon and a friend stand with their backs to the camera with their hands pointed to their shoulders, showing off their Blue Jays T-shirts.

Her love for the team made its way to Kevin Pillar on Tuesday when a Twitter user reached out to the centre-fielder and told him Fallon was a big fan.

Pillar later responded, saying “Anything you need let me know!”

Speaking to CP24 on Thursday, he expressed his own grief for Fallon’s family and said his offer still stands.

“As athletes, we get a lot of requests for a lot of different things. You look through things that people send you and some of them speak to you and obviously someone losing their 18-year-old daughter is something I can’t even imagine, being a first-time father,” he said.

“Not that anything I can do or anything this organization can do to fill her void or make up for her loss, but when the family is ready to reach out, whether it’s come to a game or meet some players or whatever they need, myself and this Blue Jays family is here to support them.”

Pillar said his years in the city have shown him how “resilient” Torontonians are in the face of tragedy.

“The beauty of this city is not that people forget what happened, but you wake up the next day and people are back on the streets enjoying the weather and enjoying the city,” he said. “I think that’s the best thing you can do in the time of tragedy.”

Investigation into motive continues

Gunfire disrupted the bustling east-end neighbourhood at around 10 p.m. on Sunday, causing chaos on restaurant patios and sidewalks.

By Tuesday evening, eight of those injured remained in hospital, including three in critical condition. All others wounded in the attack had been released, officials said.

A statement from the alleged gunman’s family said the 29-year-old struggled with “severe mental health challenges” and that therapy and medication were unsuccessful.

Sources later told CTV News Toronto that Hussain was questioned by police under the Mental Health Act. Officials reportedly became concerned after Hussain spoke about being “The Joker” from the Batman movie and talked about “liking death” and “explosions.”

According to Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, Hussain was not on any watchlists.

By Wednesday morning, Reuters reported that ISIS had claimed responsibility for the incident. Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders rebuffed the claim a few hours later, saying that while officers are probing “every investigative avenue,” there is currently no evidence to back up the claim.