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Jaida Crichlow will never forget meeting Majok Majok as kids 12 years ago when she moved in across the street.
“I remember him and a few of his other friends … wound up on my front lawn, and — I was the new girl — so they introduced me to all their sisters and everything,” Crichlow said, noting that was the day she created lifelong friendships.
“(Majok’s) definitely like a brother to me. He had my back a lot when I was getting bullied. He always reminded me to keep smiling and to keep pushing, no matter who’s around and no matter who’s watching you.”
Though over the years the childhood friends and neighbours fell in and out of touch, this past fall they reconnected.
And when Crichlow heard of his passing Friday evening, she said it made the news that much harder to take. She dropped her cellphone in shock.
“It just broke my heart,” she said. “He was so young. (Family and friends) just don’t understand. It just doesn’t make any sense to us.”
According to Regina police, a man was found critically hurt inside a home in the 500 block of Wascana Street around 1:30 a.m. Friday.
He died 10 minutes later.
Police are now investigating the 23-year-old’s death as the city’s second murder of the year.
Although police haven’t disclosed how Majok died, Crichlow noted it’s believed he was shot while trying to break up a fight.
“(Majok’s) a sweet and innocent guy from what I know. He’s never done anything wrong,” she said. “He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
As Majok leaves behind a number of siblings and both of his parents, Crichlow added his positive energy and big, white-toothed smile will never be forgotten.
“He was very passionate about everybody else’s happiness and everybody needs to carry on in his name and celebrate his life,” she said.
A 17-year-old male was charged with second-degree murder in connection with Majok’s death.
The male, who can’t be named in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act, made his first court appearance on Monday. His next appearance is set for Feb. 5.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated to clarify that Jaida Critchlow met Majok Majok 12 years ago, not 15 years ago as previously published.
