Hundreds join silent march in Schiedam for shot teenager

A few hundred people joined a silent march in Schiedam on Friday evening in memory of Tico, 19, who was shot dead last Saturday. His family organised the march and walked at the front.

Tico was shot in a front garden on the Weverpad, in the Woudhoek district of the town. He had been doing odd jobs there with two other men. He was resuscitated but died. The two other men were wounded.

Police have arrested one suspect so far, a 16-year-old from Schiedam, on Tuesday. On Friday, the day of the march, the examining magistrate (rechter-commissaris) ruled that he will remain in custody for longer.

Police are still looking for two other suspects in the case.

Many of those walking wore white sweaters or T-shirts with a photo of Tico, and several carried white balloons. Some torches were lit along the way. Afterwards, Bible verses were read aloud; Tico had recently been baptised. The tribute ended with fireworks and applause.

It was the second time Tico was remembered in public. On the Sunday after the shooting, relatives had already gathered at the scene, laying flowers and lighting candles.