A GoFundMe has been set up to help pay for the funeral costs of the man killed downtown early Saturday, while the family of the two brothers accused in the death says they are shocked and horrified by the situation.
On Monday, a GoFundMe was created in remembrance of Nick Tanti, who was stabbed in front of Tony’s Billiards in Downtown Guelph at about 2 a.m. Saturday.
The crowdfunding effort is trying to raise $10,000 toward funeral costs and other bills Tanti’s family has as a result of his death.
“Nick was a bright energetic funny loving human being who would give the shirt off his back to make sure his friends and family were taken care of,” said the GoFundMe, which was set up by Tanti's friend Danielle Lynn Wilson.
As of 4 p.m. Monday the page had raised just over $2,000 toward its goal.
Meanwhile, the family of Aidan and Angus Kee — the brothers who are each facing a charge of first-degree murder — has made a statement to the media.
The family declined an opportunity to speak to media immediately following the bail hearing for the co-accused held Monday morning, but reached out to GuelphToday by text later the same day.
“Our family is shocked and horrified by this situation,” said Sharon DeJong, aunt and godmother to the co-accused. “Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the Tanti family during their time of grief.”
DeJong went on to say the brothers are ‘good boys.’
“We believe in the criminal justice system and we have faith the truth will come out as this case unfolds,” she said.
Immediately after Monday’s bail hearing, a brief verbal altercation broke out between members of both families on the way out of the court house.
On Monday, Guelph Police Service sent out a follow-up press release that said the victim and co-accused were known to each other and there was no threat to the public.
The Kee brothers are expected back in court on March 16 for a continuation of the bail hearing.
