In October 2024, a tragic event took place in Perth, Ontario, that changed the community forever. 15-year-old, Reese Stanzel, was taken from us in a senseless act of violence. His future, full of hopes and dreams, was unjustly cut short. This loss is not just a personal tragedy for Reese’s family, but a profound blow to the community that loved and cherished him.

The judicial proceedings have left us deeply concerned. The offender was sentenced to a mere nine years after deductions for the time already served. While the law acknowledges time spent in custody, the remaining punishment—a five-year term in secure custody followed by four years of community supervision—feels insufficient and does not reflect the severity of the crime. It does not resonate with the pain and loss his family and friends endure nor does it serve justice for Reese.

We are not out for vengeance, but for accountability. We respect the rule of law, yet we believe in our moral duty to advocate for a sentence that truly matches the devastating impact of this crime. Reese deserved better for his memory and for the future of other children in similar circumstances.

We urge the appropriate authorities in Ontario to reconsider this decision and seek every lawful avenue to reassess and potentially alter the current sentencing. Our goal is to ensure that the sentence adequately reflects the seriousness of taking a young life and offers justice for Reese and his family.

By signing this petition, you join us in demanding that our system of justice fulfills its promise to protect and serve its people. Help us make sure that Reese Stanzel's case serves as a meaningful legacy and a reminder of the value of each child's life.