Police in London have now accused someone of manslaughter in connection with a deadly fight on Richmond Row.
According to police, on March 28 around 1:20 a.m., two men who didn't know each other fought on John St.
Malik Edwards, 21, was taken to the hospital and later died from his injuries. London police charged Julius Enongene, 47, with one count of manslaughter on Thursday.
Malik’s sister, Tatyana Edwards, has started a GoFundMe to assist with the costs of the funeral, and the donations will be used to honor his memory with a respectful service.
She stated, “He impacted many lives with his kindness, humor, and unwavering love. As we gather to celebrate his life, his family faces the challenge of organizing his final farewell.”
A candlelight vigil was conducted on Wednesday in Victoria Park, where friends and family paid their respects to Edwards.
Zoe Patterson, a high school friend of Malik, attended the vigil and mentioned that many people who knew him were present.
“I’ll always remember the night when a drunken man downtown tried to follow me home late at night and Malik suddenly appeared, pretending he had been looking for me to scare the guy away,” says Patterson. “Then (Malik) escorted me home to ensure I was safe.”
“I just want people to realize how much he cared about everyone around him and always stood up for those in need,” she says.
Liam Goodreau, another high school friend, mentioned that he and Malik often went skating together.
“I hope that the news of someone being charged and held responsible for Malik’s death helps the family start the healing process,” says Goodreau. “I can’t even imagine how difficult it is for them. Malik was such a passionate, generous person.”
Lucan Kohut attended the vigil on Wednesday and mentioned that some of his favorite memories with Malik were also created while skating at Victoria Park.
“The vigil was good, but also tough and emotional,” says Lucan Kohut, Malik’s friend. “It was very touching to see everyone come together to celebrate the time we had with him.”
“It’s definitely a relief to know that (Enongene) is being charged with manslaughter,” says Kohut. “Malik was young and had a very long, promising life ahead of him.”
Enongene was released from custody and is set to appear in court on May 16.
