Rally held in wake of region’s eighth homicide of the year

A barbeque and march was held in North Preston yesterday to show solidarity in the wake of more violence in the community.

The rally was put on by CeaseFire Halifax and is part of a series from the anti-violence group that comes on the heels of the region’s eighth homicide of 2016.

Tylor Donovan McInnis, 26, was found dead inside the trunk of a black Honda Civic at the St. Thomas Baptist Church on Upper Governor shortly after 2 p.m. Tuesday by police responding to a report of a stolen car.

Senior outreach worker Carlos Beals told NEWS 95.7 CeaseFire has adopted the Chicago model of treating violence like a disease.

“Violence acts the same say, so when you look at the incidents that were taking place back in April where we lost about four lives in a short period of time, that really displays violence acts like an infectious disease,” he explained.

He added when violence does happen, it’s important to stand against it.

“Violence has become the norm, so what we’re doing is saying, ‘Every violent incident we are going to respond,’ because when we respond, we sent the message that it’s not okay,” said Beals. “But when we ignore it, we send the message that violence is okay.”

“What we’re trying to do is de-normalize violence in Halifax.”

He said the best way to do that is to bring the community together, celebrate one another and make connections.

Police are asking anyone who might have information about McInnis’ murder to contact them at 902-490-5020, anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers.

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