From today’s Toronto Star:

But not all victims of crime are pleased that Tory is using them as props in his bid to win the election.

“It’s very deceitful. It’s totally inappropriate,” Audette Shephard said about Tory’s announcement yesterday and his new television ads that show a roadside memorial of flowers and a stuffed animal with the slogan, “Justice matters.”

Shephard’s 19-year-old son, Justin, was shot and killed in 2001.

“I do have a lot of respect for John Tory and for Dalton McGuinty and Howard Hampton. If they want to attack each other’s policies, then that’s fine but when you bring tragedy into it, (it) really leaves a bad taste for me,” Shephard said.

“Tragedy is not a political game and I don’t think someone’s tragedy should be used in that kind of fashion.”

Shephard doesn’t hold out much hope for Tory’s proposed reward program either.

Justin’s murder remains unsolved – despite a $50,000 reward offered by the Toronto Police. It was later raised to $100,000 by his half brother, NBA star Jamaal Magloire.

“They had $100,000 and still people refused to come forward and I know that there are people that know,” she said.

“It’s very frustrating. I get very angry sometimes when people think throwing money at people is going to bring justice,” said Shephard, a founding member of United Mothers Opposing Violence Everywhere.