Candlelight vigil to be held in Brampton after tragic death of 11-year-old Riya Rajkumar

Brampton city council is hosting a candlelight vigil in Brampton’s Garden Square this evening for 11-year-old Riya Rajkumar.

Rajkumar’s body was found at her father’s Brampton home last Thursday after an Amber Alert was issued. The little girl’s 41-year-old father, Roopesh Rajkumar, is now facing first-degree murder charges.

“Our community is grieving the tragic death of Riya Rajkumar and this is a time to come together in solidarity and remember and honour a young life,” reads a statement from Brampton city council.

The vigil will be held at Garden Square in downtown Brampton from 5:45 pm to 7 pm and all members of the public are welcome.

In memory of 11-year-old Riya Rajkumar, Brampton City Council will host a community candlelight vigil on February 19, 2019, 5:45 to 7 pm at Garden Square, downtown Brampton. pic.twitter.com/ykLK4zR0sU

— City of Brampton (@CityBrampton) February 16, 2019

Police began looking for Riya just before 7 pm on Thursday after the girl’s mother informed authorities her daughter had not been returned home at the expected time after celebrating her birthday that afternoon with her father.

The mother was concerned for Riya’s wellbeing after Roopesh made comments indicating he was going to harm himself and his daughter.

See also

• Father charged in death of 11-year-old daughter suffered self-inflicted gunshot wound
• Here is a timeline of the Riya Rajkumar Amber Alert and murder investigation
• Missing 11-year-old in Amber Alert found dead in Brampton, father arrested

Later that evening, police say Riya was found deceased in her father’s home in the area of Queen Street and Hansen Road. Roopesh was located and arrested shortly after by OPP in the Township of Oro-Medonte as a result of the Amber Alert.

When Roopesh was arrested by provincial police, he was taken to a hospital after a self-inflicted gunshot wound was discovered. He will remain in police custody and will have a court appearance once doctors say he is medically cleared to attend.

Candlelight Vigil for Riya Rajkumar

When: Tuesday, February 19. 5:45 pm to 7 pm
Where: Garden Square Park in downtown Brampton