Nicholas Cruz - Toronto

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Nicholas "Nicky" Cruz was a 26 month old toddler who lived in a Homes First housing complex just north of Stanley Park. He played with other kids in the shared backyard.

On July 14 2013, his mom Marleny Cruz, 25, and recently moved-in boyfriend Joel France, 36, took the two-year-old to Hospital. It was in Hospital where Nicky was pronounced dead.

With apparent signs of trauma to the abdomen, hospital staff informed police.

The mom and her boyfriend have been charged with second degree murder. This was the city's 31st homicide of 2013.

Neighbours in the housing complex recalled...

...The loss of their “ray of sunshine.”

“He was a very happy kid. He was always running around with a smile on his face, never seemed unhappy,” one neighbour said.

“He was just a baby, just a baby. I was just watching the news and it brought tears to my eyes. It’s an absolute tragedy,”

“(France) moved in and then we didn’t see them anymore, we barely saw the little boy run around either,” said Annie, a neighbour and employee at a local daycare centre. “She was trying to do more, but as soon as he [ Joel France ] moved in, everything changed.”

"Remembering Nicholas" Vigil - August 13 2013

@una1rose: "memorial for Nicholas Cruz,Stanley Park,Toronto" August 13 2013. Source : http://instagram.com/p/c971INpjGB/Jack Fava, a community organizer, did not know the little boy but felt it was important to hold a vigil.

“Just after the arrests happened, I heard about it and it touched my heart. Then when I saw the photo of this little boy, I thought this is so sad,”

"The purpose of the event is to have people gather, and pay tribute to a boy who died at such a young age."

“Children that age are helpless and voiceless and I wanted to give this child a voice,” Fava explained “I didn’t know him, but that doesn’t matter. We needed to acknowledge that he existed.”

“Your death won’t go unnoticed (Nicholas). We’re giving a voice to those very young, innocent, and defenseless victims, who would otherwise have none...”

“Remembering Nicholas” Vigil, Nicholas Cruz, Only 26 months. Tue. Aug.13,2013, 5-7 PM

Please join us in remembering a child whose life was cut way to short. All are invited to attend a Vigil being organized for Nicholas, a way to pay homage and to say, we didn't hear your cries for help, but your death will not go unnoticed. Given a voice to those very young, innocent and defenceless victims, who would otherwise have none.

We ask that parents, daycares and summer camps bring the little ones to the event. Each child that attends will receive a Plush Bear, until supplies last.

WHEN: Tuesday, August 13, 2013

TIME: 5:00PM-7:00PM

WHERE: Stanley Park - 76 Walnut Avenue & King Street West

EVENT AGENDA: