A small group of Preston Pellerin's friends gathered outside the Sudbury Courthouse Thursday, holding signs and chanting “Justice for Preston” as his accused killer made a brief appearance via CCTV.
Cassidy Beardmore and Tanya St-Onge were among those friends.
“We're here to keep an eye on what happens in court,” Beardmore said.
Beardmore said she'd known Pellerin for a few years. While he had his issues, “he was a good kid with a great heart,” she said.
St-Onge said they are angry. She was supposed to meet Pellerin downtown the day he was stabbed on Cedar Street, across from the Sudbury Transit terminal.
“I had to call his cousin and let him know,” she said.
They say Pellerin was stabbed because of a $10 drug debt.
Steffin Rees, 18, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in Pellerin's death. He also faces a drug possession charge, according to Greater Sudbury Police.
He showed no emotions as he appeared in video remand. He will return Dec. 19.
His friends, in the meantime, have another memorial planned for Nov. 27 at the Croatia Club from 6-9 p.m. They also set up a Facebook page — Memorial of Preston Pellerin — and have set up a Go Fund Me account — Memorial for Preston Pellerin — to raise money for the Northern Cancer Foundation.
A service will be held Nov. 23 at the Cooperative Funeral Home.