MONTREAL -- Relatives and friends came together to mourn 18-year-old Fredy Villanueva on Wednesday as the family appealed for calm four days after Montreal police shot him to death.
But several people who attended Villanueva's public viewing in a funeral home at the edge of a busy shopping centre were also demanding justice.
Rioting and looting broke out in the city's north end Sunday night after a march to protest Villanueva's shooting the previous day.
Shane Tunney, who knew the victim and his brother Dany, described Villanueva as "an angel and a very good guy."
"His brother wasn't one of the best people in the world, but (Fredy) never did anything bad in his life," said Tunney, still shaking in disbelief as he talked about the shooting.
"He didn't deserve what happened."
Victor Henriquez, a family spokesman, says Villanueva's relatives want his memory honoured by having their neighbourhood respected.
"There is frustration in the population so we want to be sure that we repeat again and again the fact that it's very important people understand nothing good will come from violence," Henriquez told reporters outside the funeral home.
Since Sunday's riot, youths have continued to vandalize buses and police cruisers in the city's north end.
Henriquez said the family would not speak to the media before a planned Friday news conference.
Roberto Caius, a longtime friend of Villanueva, said he wants justice to be done to the police officer who shot him.
"I have my doubts about justice being done and, if it's not, we will feel in danger," said Caius, 24.
Eduardo Gutierrez, who has known the Villanueva family for the past seven years, says his death has had an impact on the family.
"He was very, very quiet man who always took care of a sick sister."
Gutierrez said it's also been difficult for the local Latin American community.
Dave Beausejour, whose cousin was one of two other people shot by police, said he had known Villanueva for 10 years.
"He was a cool guy who was going to school. .he wasn't in any gangs," said Beausejour, 30.
Quebec provincial police are investigating the circumstances surrounding Villanueva's death and say their report should be ready in about eight to 10 weeks.
Several community and anti-racism groups have called for a full-blown public inquiry, saying a police investigation into a shooting by the member of another force leaves the door open to possible coverups.
Public Security Minister Jacques Dupuis has not ruled out holding a public inquiry but says he first wants to see what provincial police come up with.
Meanwhile, 12 teenagers were arrested late Tuesday night in an area a few kilometres from where Villanueva was shot.
They are facing charges of mischief and disturbing the peace.
Several vehicles were also damaged by rocks thrown by young people.
