Family & Friends Of Jane Creba React To Arrests

For classmates who knew Jane Creba, the victim in the infamous Boxing Day shooting, there were two bittersweet finales Tuesday – the last day of school combined with the end of the hunt for those who killed the popular high school student.

“My reaction is right on!” cries one friend at Riverdale C.I., where the talented athlete made a big impression in such a short time.

But few other students seemed interested in expressing their own reaction, with the school’s principal noting the six -month-old crime simply brings back too many difficult emotions.

“Every once in awhile, events happen … that trigger some of those painful memories,” explains Ralph Nigro. “We did, however, bring together a number of Jane Creba’s closest friends to watch the press conference.”

In the neighbourhood she called home, the news was also greeted with mixed emotions.

Her family still lives in the same house and has asked for privacy. They have never given a single interview about the tragic shooting that claimed their daughter.

Others who loved the 15-year-old whose life had just begun are pleased there’s been an arrest, but know it will never bring back what everyone so suddenly lost.

“It’s almost like you don’t want to bring up something that’s been so bad, and yet it is still on your mind,”   relates Catherine Babcock.

“I feel relieved that this family will have a closure at the end of all this,” adds Spiros Vitouladitis.

But while Creba may no longer walk the halls of her old school, her memory is never far from many minds.

Her presence remains strong in the building, with a memorial set up showing her smiling face, her trophies, her sports jersey and even a green apple –   her favourite fruit in her favourite colour.

And others will benefit from her legacy – a scholarship in her name will be handed out beginning next year.