People in Cumberland House held a rally against violence, outside a court hearing for a man accused of murdering Marisha Hoksbergen. Submitted photo/Celia Deschambeault

By northeastNOW staff

Cumberland House Rally

Rally outside murder court hearing in Cumberland House

Apr 27, 2023 | 5:00 PM

Dozens of people rallied against violence in Cumberland House on Thursday morning, outside the preliminary hearing of a man charged with second degree murder in the death of a Cumberland House woman.

Protestors carried signs that said “Our mom was stolen,” and “Justice 4 Pritch.” They marched in a circle on a street near the village office, where the hearing was being held.

Marisha Hoksbergen, whose nickname was Pritch, was 24 when she was killed in May of 2022.

Alvin Thomas, 40, is charged with second degree murder in her death.

People rallied against violence outside a court hearing in Cumberland House. Submitted photo/Celia Deschambeault.

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“Made me feel a lot better inside,” said Morley Hoksbergen, referring to the rally. “Community support…in respect for what happened to my daughter.”

Hoksbergen said Marisha was well known in the community.

“All the people in this community knew my daughter, she was well known to everybody, outgoing girl,” said Hoksbergen. “It is hard…I know she had a full life ahead of her.”

He said he had hoped to learn more about what happened on May 29, 2022, but said the preliminary hearing was adjourned until October – and so he left the hearing not having many answers.

“Like still today. I don’t know anything about what happened,” he said, although he learned a little more about the day Marisha was fatally injured. “At least I can have an idea of who was all there now.”

He also believes the case shows the need for early intervention in cases where problems are suspected. Hoksbergen said he had concerns about his daughter’s relationship with Thomas, but when he went to police was told there was nothing they could do.

“I guess the message is… I think that things need to be dealt with beforehand before things like that happen….this could have been maybe dealt with a different way right off the bat here,” he said.

He said his daughter leaves behind two boys

“My daughter would stop by all the time, and bring my grandchildren over,” he said.

Thomas remains in custody.

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northeastNOW staff