Two Kitchener teens charged in the New Year's Eve murder of 60-year-old John Ferreira were remanded in custody after a brief second court appearance Monday.
Family and friends of the two teens, as well as friends of the victim were in court Monday morning. The teens both reportedly cried at the sight of their families in the courtroom.
Steve Boerio, a friend of Ferreira says "He'd give you the shirt off his back, if he had his last dollar in his pocket and you needed something to eat or drink, not a problem with him handing it over to you…you're not going to meet a nicer man ever."
The 16- and 18-year-old are both charged with second degree murder in the stabbing, as well as assault for the attack on Ferreira's son Shawn Ferreira.
The father and son were attacked while walking on the Iron Horse Trail in Kitchener just before midnight on Dec. 31.
The 18-year-old accused was 17 at the time of the incident, so neither male can be identified under the Young Offenders Act.
If the case goes to trial, the Crown prosecutor tells CTV News that adult sentences are being considered.
Defence lawyer Hal Mattson says he is aware of the possibility "Well these cases get a little bit complicated because the Crown has to decide whether they want to try these in adult court…There's a lot of responsibility on the Crown to decide how they're going to deal with the matter."
One suspect returns to court Thursday to speak directly with his lawyer while the second suspect will appear via video link on Jan. 19.