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Hundreds gather in High Prairie to remember slain teen

More than 300 people gathered on Thursday night for a memorial walk and vigil held in High Prairie, Alta., to remember 16-year-old Tonesha Walker.

More than 300 people gathered in High Prairie, Alta., on Thursday night to remember a 16-year-old girl who was killed during a random break-in earlier this week in Edmonton.

Tonesha Walker, 16, was at her aunt’s house in Edmonton on Monday when a 16-year-old boy Walker did not know broke into the house and stabbed her in the neck, according to police.

Police found the girl suffering from injuries "of a violent nature" and took her to hospital, where she later died.

Thursday's memorial walk began at E.W. Pratt High School and finished at the High Prairie Sports Palace, where a candlelight vigil was held for the young teen, who loved sports.

Marcel Desjarlais, Tonesha's uncle, told CBC News her family is most proud of her respect for herself, her friends and family, as well as her pride in the traditions of her Cree heritage and the example that she set for others.

People filled the bleachers of the arena as they remember Walker, with many wearing the teen’s favourite colours: lime green, red and yellow.

Balloons of the same colours were released at the end of the walk as the crowd said a silent prayer.

On Tuesday, police laid charges against the teenage boy, but he cannot be named under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act because he is a minor.

The boy has been charged with second-degree murder, breaking and entering, committing robbery and possession of an offensive weapon.