UPDATE: Homicide investigation – Arbour Lake
We would like to begin by saying how deeply sorry we are for the loss of Jal JAL’s life. Our sincerest condolences go out to all the family and friends Jal has left behind.
At approximately 8:30 p.m., on Thursday, March 31, 2022, emergency responders were called to a green space located behind the 100 block of Arbour Meadows Close N.W., for reports of an injured male. Upon arrival, the male was located deceased and later confirmed to be sixteen-year-old Jal JAL, of Calgary.
To lose someone at the young age of sixteen is shocking, and tragic. Over the course of the last four days, investigators have interviewed many people, including schoolmates, coaches, teammates, and members of the public who came forward with information. Investigators have heard a lot about Jal’s character. One coach remembered meeting Jal when he was 10 years old, having never played football before. The coach was full of pride remembering how Jal became one of the best players on the team. Jal has been described as a kind, respectful and an easy-to-coach youth with dreams of playing football or basketball in the United States, first on scholarship, and then one day professionally.
Jal has left behind many grieving friends and family, who all have so many questions as to how this could have happened. Investigators are working hard to solve this case and need the public’s assistance to be successful.
Police are asking if anyone has any information about this incident, no matter how minor it may seem, to report it to police. Thank you to those who have reached out thus far, and to the community for trusting us to investigate such an important case.
We are still looking for the public’s assistance for any information on suspicious activity that occurred on the night of Thursday, March 31, 2022, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Residents in the areas of, the 100 block of Arbour Meadows Close N.W., the 200 block of Schubert Place N.W., and 100 and 200 blocks of Scenic View Close N.W., are asked to check their property for anything suspicious and to share any dashcam footage.
Investigators are also asking that anyone living in the community of Scenic Acres to save their doorbell camera footage from Thursday, March 31, 2022, between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. This CCTV evidence is often perishable, usually only saving for 5 to 7 days, and it could be the evidence detectives need to solve the case. Investigators are working hard to locate all pertinent CCTV, however as the case progresses various streets still need to be canvassed, and we must preserve the footage.
Statement from Achan Jal and Akeir Mel Kuol on behalf of the JAL family:
Today we have brought close family, coaches, and friends to share a little about Jal and to ask for everyone’s help in solving his case.
Jal Acor Jal was a very respectable, polite, kind young man. His presence would light up the whole room when he entered. His soul was so pure. Jal was so loving and thoughtful. He did very little to make everyone smile because he was naturally a friendly and affectionate person.
Jal would always check up on his father who is in a wheelchair and bring comfort and reassurance that he will be okay. He lived with his grandma who needs emotional attention. He would be the first to say good morning, and the first to comfort her when she was feeling heartbroken and in physical pain.
Jal would regularly check up on his mother who is currently living in Lethbridge. He would ask how her day was going and see about her health, telling her how he couldn’t wait for Christmas so he could get all the brand name accessories.
He was on the junior basketball team and junior football team at St. Francis High School.
He recently discussed with his family and coaches about continuing his basketball game in the states.
This tragedy has broken so many people’s hearts, we never saw this day coming, no one is ever prepared for such pain of losing their child.
The entire family appreciates all the sympathy we have received from individuals, the City of Calgary, St. Francis High School, and all other communities that have made an impact on Jal’s life. We are grateful for your kind words and financial support.
At this time, we the family, and the Calgary Police Service are working together to solve this case, but we cannot do it by ourselves. We need any information that may help solve this case. We are pleading with Arbour Lake community and the nearby communities that if anyone has seen anything or has a camera that may be beneficial for this case please contact the police with the information. It’s takes individuals and families to keep a community safe. We are hoping for the best.
Jal Jal will always be remembered and loved by his family and friends.
Thank you.
Anyone with information about JAL’s death is asked to contact the police non-emergency number at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be left anonymously through Crime Stoppers:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips
Case #22128027/3394