15-year-old was 'covered in blood

Pal recalls last moments as condolences pour in

By TOM GODFREY, SUN MEDIA

Jordan Manners, 15, who was gunned down at C.W. Jefferys high school Wednesday, is seen in his Grade 8 graduation picture.

Preem calls on PM to beef up gun laws Board to review security devices Students keep mum Other mothers reach out Catch WAVE of anti-violence Jordan's family mourns

The tragic final minutes of Jordan Manners were relived yesterday by a sobbing friend outside the gunshot victim's North York home, where his mother was being consoled by friends and family.

"He was lying on the ground in the hallway covered in blood," Shane Walters, 14, said as he recalled trying to revive his 15-year-old friend at C.W. Jefferys high school.

"I started to shake him and his eyes were rolling in his head," Walters said.

"I was saying, 'Jordan, get up! Jordan, get up!' " he said.

"But it was no use. He was shaking real bad. His body was shaking bad."

The boys were friends for four years and were in class together earlier that day. Walters was interviewed by homicide officers and released early yesterday.

Jordan was popular in school and had no enemies, Walters said.

"I don't know why anybody would want to hurt him," he said. "I think I am one of the last people to see him alive."

Nearby, Jordan's mom, Lorraine Small, was comforted by a line of well-wishers at her Shoreham Dr. home as she prepared to bury her son. The coroner still has his body.

Two of Jordan's teachers and a dozen former schoolmates from Brookview Middle School were among the many who paid their respects.

"There's a huge emptiness in my heart," Small said as she showed artwork created by her son, who turned 15 six days before he died. "There will be an emptiness over the entire community."

Neighbours described Jordan as popular and an aspiring veterinarian who didn't belong to gangs or have dealings with the police.

"He was a Grade A student," Small said. "My son had everything going for him. He had a future to look forward to."

The mother of five, who emigrated from Nevis in the Caribbean, said she flagged a police cruiser on Finch Ave. W. to find out who was shot after being told by a relative there was a shooting.

"Up to now the school hasn't called to say my son is dead," she sobbed. "We were already planning a 16th birthday party for him."

His aunt said Jordan was a gifted boy who loved the theatre and acting, the outdoors, rapping and joking around with friends.

"He was a creative child who wanted to do something to better himself," Louise Manners said. "He wasn't one for joining gangs or causing trouble."

A trust fund is being set up to help the family pay for burial expenses, she said. Grade 12 students at his school -- who have their prom tonight -- are planning to sell armbands, school staff said.

"People have to talk so we can find out who did this and get this stress off our heads," Calvin Moncrieffe, 29, one of Jordan's brothers, said. "Jordan was a good kid, very good."
Next story: Preem calls on PM to beef up gun laws