EDMONTON A 19-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder after a weekend stabbing at a party at the Killarney community hall in Edmonton.

Kevin Moffett of Edmonton has also been charged with a weapons offence, Edmonton police say. He was arrested without incident.

Early Sunday, 17-year-old Niko Arlia was stabbed to death and three others were injured, two of whom remain at the University Hospital with serious injuries.

Carrie Byrnell, an Edmonton casting director and friend of Arlias mother, said Arlia was a bright, cooperative, articulate young actor she cast in two commercials, including one for the Brick and another for the Family Channel.

He was the cutest little guy when he first started, said Byrnell, who first met Arlia and his mother about five years ago. Its tragic. He was a good kid and its shocking to me.

She said Arlia had a quiet, non-aggressive nature and was the peacemaker in many situations.

I wouldnt be surprised if he was trying to make peace, Byrnell said. He would be the good Samaritan and he paid the price.

Arlia was a Grade 12 student at St. Josephs Catholic High School until last October, said Lori Nagy, spokeswoman for Edmonton Catholic Schools.

They do have grief counsellors, Nagy said of the school. Of course, many friends and teachers knew him and are very upset by his death.

It just gives the students and the staff the chance to voice any memories they have, any concerns they have about how theyre going to get through this difficult time.

About 75 people, most between 15 and 20 years old, were at the party early Sunday morning when five new guests ran in and sparked an altercation around 1:30 a.m., police said. One partygoer said she saw people pushing each other and exchanging words before the stabbings happened, leaving blood everywhere.

Police are trying to determine what sparked the fight.

Police said it was unclear whether the homicide victim knew his assailants, who ran from the community hall.

No weapons were found.

This is still an active investigation, said Lisa Sobchyshyn, spokeswoman for Edmonton Police Services. Our investigators are very encouraged with the people who have come forward (with information). We hope that co-operation continues.

Arlia was found collapsed at a bus stop a short distance from the hall on 130th Avenue and 87th Street.

Drops of blood led to the front door of a bungalow across the street from the bus stop, and the door handle and frame were smeared with blood.

Arlias mother, Nancy Molella-Arlia, expressed her grief on Facebook.

Niko I love you so much, she wrote. He was loved by everyone and made friends quite easily. Niko would have had a future ahead of being a superstar as an actor. He will not be forgotten!! RIP Bello.

The death is the citys second homicide of the year.

With files from Mariam Ibrahim



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