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Kayla Gauthier, left, is among those who showed up to the rally to demand justice for 14-year-old Samuel Bird.Amber Bracken/The Globe and Mail
Calvin Bird arrived in Edmonton on a crisp Monday morning to see Bryan Farrell, the man accused of killing his 14-year-old grandson, Samuel Bird.
Samuel had been missing since June 1. Last Wednesday, Mr. Farrell, 38, was charged with second-degree murder in the death of the Indigenous teen. Samuel’s body was found in a forested rural area west of Edmonton the next day.
“I wanted to see the man. I wanted to see his face,” said Mr. Bird. “I just needed a little closure. I just wanted to look him right in the eye, but he didn’t come on screen.”
A lawyer appeared in court on Mr. Farrell’s behalf. The accused did not appear in person or by video from the Edmonton Remand Centre. The case was adjourned until Nov. 10.
Edmonton police say ‘social vigilantism’ jeopardized investigation into Samuel Bird’s death
In addition to the murder charge, Mr. Farrell is accused of disposing of Samuel’s body, burning his own home down after it was searched by police, and assaulting police officers with bear spray, along with weapons offences, fraud and threatening to harm or kill Samuel’s mother. He remains in custody.
About 100 protestors gathered outside the courthouse, calling themselves “Samuel’s Warriors” and chanting slogans such as “He was just a child” and “No bail for Bryan Farrell.”
After the court appearance, Samuel’s mother, Alanna Bird, stood amid the crowd, a steady stream of people coming to hug her, share their condolences or offer a gift. One man brought Ms. Bird an eagle feather he’d found while searching for Samuel’s remains, and which he said he felt was meant for her.
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Aluauk Angasuk, left, gifts Samuel Bird’s mother, Alanna Bird, with an eagle feather he found while searching for her son.Amber Bracken/The Globe and Mail
In the months since Samuel disappeared, his case has garnered a growing amount of interest both in Edmonton and online communities. Ms. Bird said she’s grateful for those who supported her efforts to find her son, and who now are calling for justice in his death.
“I feel like they are like family. And Samuel wasn’t just another boy. He became everyone’s boy,” she said. “I see all the love, definitely, and I appreciate everyone so much.”
She said she’s relieved Mr. Farrell is in custody, which she said is “one less thing to worry about.” Ms. Bird previously told The Globe and Mail that Samuel had been dating Mr. Farrell’s daughter.
“From the start, I’ve just had to put my faith into the Edmonton police. I’ve just had to fully believe in them, and I had faith, and they did find Sam. I know there was times when we thought we would not find Samuel, and I just wasn’t going to take that. I knew that I was going to do whatever it took,” she said. “Now, we actually have Sam, but we’re just hoping that they prosecute to the fullest of the law.”
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About 100 protestors gathered outside the courthouse, chanting, drumming and holding signs.Amber Bracken/The Globe and Mail
Having lost two children to violence, Barbara Houle said she came to the courthouse to show her support and respect for Ms. Bird. She introduced herself, then enveloped Ms. Bird in an embrace.
“She’s such a strong woman,” said Ms. Houle, who is also Indigenous. “I hope they get justice, the whole family and friends and loved ones of Samuel Bird. But for me, I don’t believe in the justice system here in Canada for Indigenous people.”
She said no one has been charged in the death of her 17-year-old daughter, Cherisse, in 2009. Her 21-year-old son, Jordan, was shot and killed three years later. A man was convicted of murder in that case.
