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Murder victim’s parents speak up after court appearance

Oct 23, 2014 | 5:41 PM

EDITOR’S NOTE: A previous version of this story stated Cook was arrested with 24 hours, however family stated he became a suspect in that time not that he was arrested. We apologize for the error.

The wounds are still fresh for Cory Brown’s parents over a month after they lost their son.

They, along with Brown’s brother, aunt, and others sat in the courtroom on Thursday for a quick appearance in the prisoner’s box by the man accused of killing Brown.

According to Cory Brown’s family, Trevor Cook, 41, became a suspect within 24 hours of police finding Cory Brown dead in a home on the 1100-block of 14 Street West. The following week he was charged with second degree murder.

Brown’s father Don cried openly as he spoke to media outside court, only able to thank those giving his family strength as they deal with the loss.

“Our pastor, the church, and family and friends stood behind us and they still are,” Don said. He also thanked Victims Services and Prince Albert Police as he was racked with sobs.

Victims Services is a volunteer group that supports families and victims of crime.

“Victims Services have been amazing with us. They were here as well today [Thursday], and trying to explain with mom and dad some of the [court ] process,” said Cory’s brother Curtis.

The family has gone through the grieving process while following Cook’s court case. They’ve also been trying to reconcile how Cory, a man described as a loving father, died from violence.

“We know the type of person Cory was, the type of life that he led… it just doesn’t make sense,” said his brother Curtis.

A long wait for the courts to make it trial isn’t coming as a surprise to Curtis, since police told them in advance.

“He did come out and say there would be stuff they wouldn’t be releasing to us or anybody you know, it’s just part of the investigation. We’re completely understanding about that and we respect that.”

But he said they struggle with the information people pass on to them with phone calls indicating more than one person was involved in Cory’s death.

Curtis said they’ve been told there are “as many as five more people involved.”

This information has been tough for Cory’s mother Edna. She explained fear has led her and Don to move recently. However, she wouldn’t elaborate on what has been causing that fear.

“I am upset because the people that have let us know this, we want them to go to the police and tell them. And they want to help but they didn’t want to go to the police or do tips. And they’re hoping that one of us will pass it on, but there isn’t much we can do. And yeah, we’re scared, we’re scared. Yes we are,” Edna said.

“We get upset because we know there are more involved.”

Prince Albert Police were not able to comment on these concerns on Thursday but a representative said they will respond on Friday.

The family has since started a Facebook page to remember Cory, which features photos of him with his daughter. Don said Cory was very close with her.

Between Cook’s first court appearance on Sept. 16 and Thursday he retained a lawyer through Legal Aid.

He will be back in court Oct. 31.

claskowski@panow.com

On Twitter: @chelsealaskowsk