By Nigel Maxwell

EXCLUSIVE: Mother waits for answers following son’s death

Jun 17, 2014 | 4:42 PM

Editor's note: Comments made by Ms. Charles in an earlier version of this story have been disputed by the Crown prosecutor and have been removed, as neither side can be independently verified and relate to a private conversation.

By Nigel Maxwell

paNOW Staff

Elaine Grace Charles tightly grips a picture of her dead son, 17 year old Clayton James Bear.

In April, Bear was found shot in the 500 block of 27th Street East. He would succumb to his injuries in hospital.

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Charles can still fondly remember the last time she spoke to her son. It was the morning before, and she was at home. Her son, who had a tendency to come and go, had stopped by to see her.

“He came home that Sunday and he came and sat with me in my room because I wasn't feeling well. He asked me what I was going to do and I told him I was going to stay home. I asked him where he was going and he said ‘I'm just gonna go hangout with my friend,’ but I didn't know who his friend was,” said Charles.

Two men have since been charged with first-degree murder; Jordan Herron, 20, and Orren Johnson, 25, from Alberta.

Herron did not appear in court, when his case came up on Tuesday. His lawyer informed the judge he was awaiting a bail hearing.

“I do not see why he should get bail when he is the one being charged with my son's death,” said Charles.

Herron's case is back in court July 16. Johnson's case comes up again June 27.

Charles said she has been told her son's death was an accident; he may have simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

She describes her son as a good kid, who enjoyed rugby and playing basketball.

Bear has two brothers and three sisters.

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell