Vigil held for slain teenager 

DEARBORN — Over a hundred people gathered for a candlelight vigil in remembrance of 18-year-old Mohammed Abboud, who was killed on the morning of Tuesday, July 13 after an altercation at the Dearborn Ice Skating Center.

Young people gather at a vigil at te Dearborn Ice Skating Center for Mohammed Abboud, who was fatally stabbed on Tuesday, July 13 at the same location.

According to police, Abboud,  along with a few friends, became engaged in an altercation after leaving a party bus, and one of those involved stabbed several people.

Along with Abboud,  a 19-year-old male was injured and is being treated at a local hospital, while two others received minor injuries.

Those present at the vigil gathered around Abboud’s car at 10 p.m., placed a single red rose on the vehicle and arranged candles in the shape of a heart next to the driver’s side door.

“This was where he parked his car that night, where he was last,” one of those present said while in tears. Several people passed out candles and in time the entire crowd was gathered around them, alternating between praying as a group, and bowing their heads in silence.

“That’s my brother right there,” said close friend Sam Balbaki, who was in tears along with Abboud’s brother Hussein.

“Whenever I needed something he was right there. You know how they say family comes first. He was there before family.”

Verses of the Qu’ran were also played to those present.

Moments of complete silence were later broken by Abboud’s sister, Samar, who wanted those present to learn from her brother’s death.

“What you are going through is not 1 percent of what we are going through,” she said. “He died for his boys…but he was our little boy. Learn from this. Your parents don’t need this.”

Abboud’s mother stood at the site about 20 yards away from the location where her son died. His dried blood was still visible on the concrete. She and another group stood around a single red candle while praying and reflecting.

Alexander Yono, a 30-year-old Chaldean male from Oak Park, was arrested in connection with Abboud’s death and arraigned Thursday at 2 p.m. at 19th District Court in Dearborn. Yono, who was not let out on bail due to his status as a repeat offender, was charged with second-degree murder and three counts of assault. Preliminary examination is set for August 5th.

Abboud’s body was flown to Lebanon for burial.