Vigil To Be Held In Brampton For Slain 11-Year-Old Girl

Published February 16, 2019 at 4:36 pm

The Brampton community is being brought together to honour the memory of 11-year-old Riya Rajkumar, who was allegedly murdered by her father inside a Brampton residence in the Queen St.

The Brampton community is being brought together to honour the memory of 11-year-old Riya Rajkumar, who was allegedly murdered by her father inside a Brampton residence in the Queen St. and Hansen Rd. area. 

On Tuesday (Feb. 19), a 5:45 p.m., a candlelight vigil will be held at Garden Square, located at Queen Street and Main Street) to honour Riya.

The vigil will honour Riya, who was was out with her father, Roopesh Rajkumar, on Feb. 14 when she went missing. 

According to police, the investigation into Riya’s disappearance began just before 7:00 p.m. that night when Riya’s mother told police that Riya had not been returned home at the expected time.

“The mother was further concerned for the wellbeing of the two of them when Roopesh Rajkumar made comments indicating that he was going to harm himself and his daughter,” police say.

An Amber Alert was issued.

Later that evening, Riya was found deceased.

Rajkumar was located and arrested by OPP in the Township of Oro-Medonte, reportedly as a result of information provided in the Amber Alert.

Rajkumar is charged with first-degree murder and is currently in a trauma centre in relation to a medical condition.

Condolences to Riya’s family and other loved ones have poured in from across the country, and the mayors of both Brampton and Mississauga have spoken out on the tragedy. 

“My thoughts are with the Rajkumar family and friends,” said Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown in a statement. “I know our community will provide support to this family.  All City of Brampton facilities will lower their flags to half mast in honour of Riya.”

Riya’s father, Roopesh Rajkumar, is now facing a first-degree murder charge in her death.

All who would like to pay their respects are welcome.

Cover photo courtesy of Go Fund Me

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