New mural remembers Fredy Villanueva, killed by a Montreal police officer
A new mural depicting Fredy Villanueva, who was killed by a Montreal police (SPVM) officer in 2008, has been unveiled in the city's Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension borough.
"I've been waiting for this for a long time. It's incredible," said Lilian Madrid Antunes, Villanueva's mother. "When I saw the picture of my son, I was shocked. Tears started pouring down my cheeks. I saw my child the way he was when he arrived in Canada."
The mural, titled L'innocence de la Nouvelle Maison, or The Innocence of a New Home, is a translation of "villa-nueva," symbolizing what Canada represents to those who immigrate to the country.
The Villanueva family arrived in Canada on refugee status from Honduras due to a land conflict that saw their lives in danger.
"It's amazing to be chosen to share something profound like this," said muralist Monk.E. "That's why I make art; to have an impact on our time through meaningful projects."
Villanueva died on Aug. 9, 2008 at the age of 18 after he was shot by a Montreal police officer in the parking lot of Henri-Bourassa Arena in the city's Montreal North borough.
He, along with his brother, Dany, and three others, were playing a game of dice when two patrol officers approached them.
The constables, Jean-Loup Lapointe and Stéphanie Pilotte, believed some of those in attendance were members of a street gang -- though Villaneuva himself had no criminal record.
A conflict erupted when the men were asked to identify themselves and Dany walked away.
Lapointe then attempted to arrest him and the others obstructed his actions.
He said he felt they were reaching for his gun and he "saw no other alternative than to fire immediately."
Villaneuva and two others were injured and the teen later died in hospital.
No criminal charges were filed against the officers involved, leading to mass protests and ongoing demands for reform and justice across Montreal and Quebec.
The mural in Villanueva's memory was a collaboration between Article47, Emrical, muralist Monk.E and his family.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'The root cause': Canada outlines national action plan to fight auto theft
The federal government is launching what it calls its 'national action plan' to combat auto thefts, which will include stronger penalties for thieves, and increased information sharing between police agencies, government officials and border enforcement.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Prosecution rests in Donald Trump’s hush money case. The defence now gets its turn to call witnesses
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
'Next man up': Canucks coach, teammates bracing for Game 7 without Brock Boeser
Questions about how the team is going to handle the absence of star winger Brock Boeser from a do-or-die game seven dominated pre-game interviews with the Vancouver Canucks coach and players Monday morning.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
U.S. Supreme Court rejects appeal from former Guantanamo detainee Omar Khadr
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by a Canadian-born former Guantanamo detainee who was seeking to wipe away his war crimes convictions, including for killing a U.S. soldier in Afghanistan.
Woman, 35, in critical condition after her truck collided with a Via Rail train near Montreal
A 35-year-old woman is in critical condition after the pick-up truck she was driving was struck by a Via Rail passenger train Monday morning in Quebec's Monteregie region.