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Calgary Herald

Father of slain Calgary teen says son's murder had left a hole in an entire community, a day after his killer's guilty plea

The murder of Calgary teen Dean Visser has left a hole in the city's lacrosse community, his father said Thursday, a day after his killer pleaded guilty to a reduced charge. Article content Article content Kevin Visser told Postmedia that his son, like many teens, had his moments of rebellion. Article content 'But contrary to some beliefs, he was not a gang member,' the older Visser said, in a prepared text. Article content His son's killer, who can't be named under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder Wednesday in connection with the June 6, 2024, stabbing death of 16-year-old Visser. Article content Article content Article content Maloney told Calgary Court of King's Bench Justice Lisa Silver that the victim and killer 'harboured animosity towards one another, and had expressed this animosity on the internet, primarily on Instagram.' Article content Victim yelled who are you as he was being stabbed for hoodie Article content That evening, Visser was wearing a high-end Bathing Ape hoodie, known as a BAPE, and carrying a second one for his girlfriend, court heard. Article content His killer, wearing a black hooded sweater with the hood up ran up from behind with a knife in his hand and stabbed the victim three times, Maloney said. Article content 'During the stabbing Visser can be heard shouting 'who are you?'' the prosecutor said. Article content '(The killer) is heard saying 'give me that BAPE.' Visser replies 'you can have the BAPE.'' Article content The offender then fled from the scene, running away with the hoodie he took from the deceased. Article content Article content The victim was rushed to Alberta Children's Hospital in life-threatening condition and died about two hours later. Article content At the request of defence counsel Rebecca Snukal, Silver ordered an updated pre-sentence report on her client ahead of an as yet unscheduled sentencing hearing. Article content Kevin Visser said his son was much more than a victim of a deadly, violent act. Article content 'Dean loved life. loved his friends and was passionate about relationships and was always willing to help those around him,' he wrote. Article content 'Dean's death has left a hole not only in the lives of family and friends, but also there is a hole in the lacrosse community.' Article content