Christopher Skinner ~ Candlelight Vigil Held For Murdered 27 Year-Old
To pull out a gun and shoot an unarmed man is the act of a coward. To beat a man to the ground and then run him over is the act of a savage.
A candle light vigil/march was held in Toronto tonight, October 25, 2009, to honor the memory of Christopher Skinner, who was brutally murdered October 18th, while walking home from his sisters birthday party.
Police have been withholding details while the ongoing investigation is under way. Though Christopher was an openly gay man, authorities are not calling the attack a “Hate Crime.” It s believed the attack was unprovoked. Many in the gay community, including those close to Christopher, believe his sexuality was a motivating factor in his killers targeting him.
Police have released surveillance video footage of Christopher moments before the attack, as well as footage of what they believe is the black SUV involved in the murder. They have also said Christopher was beaten to the ground by 2 to 4 attackers and then driven over by both front and rear tires of their SUV. Christopher succumbed to fatal injuries in hospital.
The vigil began in the Gay Village at Church and Wellesley, where thousands marched to Adelaide and Victoria Streets, where Christopher was murdered.
“We will hold our candles high, with eyes pointed towards the sky to let Chris know that he is not there alone.”
“With this public showing of emotion, we hope to make known that hatred must no longer prevail, that in the dark, we will march in numbers, with candles lit in the memory of Christopher.” ~ Organizers posted on the vigil’s Facebook group.
The driver of the SUV is described as:
• Light-skinned
• Under 30 years old
• Short, military-style hair
• Last seen wearing a tight, black tank top
• There were as many as three other people in the SUV
If you can help, call police at 416-808-7410 or 416-808-7406.
You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).
10/25/2009 at 7:36 pm
Pam, thank you SO much for this beautifully written tribute to this handsome young man…I read the article over the weekend & think it’s beyond despicable that a person could do that to another, what the EFF is this world coming to?!?!? It’s reprehensible beyond words how tragic this incident was, & I know I’m among many who wish to see the b*stards who did this brought to justice. I love the pictures you posted too, the ones w/ the dog, I presume his pet, are especially poinant….Thank you again Pam!
10/25/2009 at 7:47 pm
Such a horrible, terrible, awful thing. I didn’t know Chris, but his fiancé Ryan was one of my closest friends in high school. We lost touch over the years, but my heart has truly been hurting for him this past week.
10/25/2009 at 8:01 pm
I can’t imagine the heartbreak Chris’ family, Ryan, and friends are going through. I don’t know any of them personally, but was in tears watching his parents on the news. It is my sincere hope that someone who knows something comes forward NOW! It is IMPOSSIBLE that there were no witnesses. Somebody has to do the right thing or live with the guilt of allowing savages to remain free.
10/25/2009 at 8:16 pm
Words cannot express the sadness and anger I feel. As an openly gay woman- and in the year 2009- It sickens me that this is still going on- and in Toronto- the most open, liberal city I’ve been to- thank you for bringing attention to this. This has to stop. Reminds me of Matthew Shepard all over again….xoxoxo R.I.P. Chris….
10/25/2009 at 8:54 pm
When something happens like this atrocity to such a beautiful soul – my first thought is “WHY”? There is absolutely NEVER a reason to commit such vile cruelty upon another human – someone had to see something. Keep shining a light on this and soon I pray the persons who did this will be brought to justice.
There are no words that can lesson the pain and sadness of his family and friends. What we can do is send prayers and love and light and please take care of one another.
Via con dios – fly high Christopher fly high…
10/25/2009 at 10:09 pm
A terrible tragedy. There are simply no words.
My thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends.
10/26/2009 at 4:30 am
Pam,
Thanks for writing about this, and helping to continue spreading the word.