EDMONTON - The last two holiday seasons have been an especially painful time for the Preece family, ever since their 28 year-old son Scott was killed nearly a year and a half ago following a trip to the convenience store in August 2010. So far, there have been no arrests made in connection with his death - something his family would like to see change.
This will be the first Christmas the family are allowing themselves to celebrate since Scott's death. Last year, they were too consumed by grief to put up a tree or decorations, but this year, they they did so in an effort to move forward.
"Every ornament has a memory and some of the things Scott had made or had bought," said his mom, Debbie, through tears. "It was hard, but it was a step in the grieving journey - a big step."
Since Scott is no longer there to open presents with the family, his parents now make donations to the Salvation Army in his memory, a request their son had made during the last Christmas the family spent together.
In exchange, the family is hoping for their own Christmas miracle - the gift of closure.
"It would be a good present to us - someone would come forward so we could have this whole thing resolved," said Scott's dad, Denis. "Scott touched a lot of people...he was a son, a brother, uncle and friend. He was loved by so many people, and we all miss him so much."
Scott's parents are members of the Victims of Homicide group, which they said has helped them a great deal. And in addition to searching for their own answers, the family would also like to see others who have also lost loved ones find closure.
"You used to read it, it'd just be another article in the paper. It's way different now, way different," said Scott's mom.
"People should come forward for all the others that have happened in Edmonton. It's very bad," added her husband.
If anyone has any information on Scott Preece's murder, or any other unsolved homicide, please contact police or Crimestoppers.
With files from Linda Nguyen, Global News
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