Mourners gathered at a visitation on Saturday for Stefanie Rengel, the 14-year-old Toronto girl who was fatally stabbed on New Year's Day.
Police Chief Bill Blair and former chief William McCormack were among the family, friends and police officers who attended the service at the Heritage Funeral Home at 50 Overlea Blvd. in East York. A funeral is scheduled for Sunday afternoon.
More than 400 friends, family and acquaintances took part in a candlelight vigil and silent walk through Rengel's community on Friday night.
When the procession reached the teen's house, her parents and stepparents embraced on the front steps and thanked the crowd for attending.
Rengel's mother is a police sergeant and her stepfather is an Emergency Task Force officer. Her father and stepmother also work for the Toronto Police Service, as court officers.
Classmates of Rengel said they attended the vigil to help them through the difficult period.
"It just kind of helps because it kind of relieves the stress, because you see everyone else who also knew her," said one young girl. "You can cry and work together."
Those who knew Rengel described her as a happy and friendly person.
"I can't even put into words how amazing she was," said one young man.
Rengel was stabbed in the stomach on the sidewalk near her home on Jan. 1.
Her friends say she was the victim of a love triangle involving an ex-boyfriend.
A 15-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy have been charged with first-degree murder. They cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
The accused have been remanded in custody until Jan. 16, when they will appear in court via video.
With a report from CTV Toronto's Roger Petersen
