Following the recently published story of parolee Jonathan Street seeking redemption, the family and friends of murder victim Kyle Norris have come forward to remind the community of the life lost in 2006.
Bedfordview and Edenvale News met with the group and grief, pain, joy and fond memories were shared.
The recently published article ripped open a wound exposing unhealed trauma, pain and heartache.
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It proved how difficult it is for the loved ones of victims of violent crimes to go through life as they continue every day without their loved ones.
The article’s reach extended beyond Edenvale to surrounding communities and those living overseas.
Kyle’s life was cut short on November 19, 2006, at the age of 18, when he was shot and killed.
His untimely death left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of his family and friends.
Jonathan Street was found guilty of his murder.
Following Kyle’s death a Facebook group titled Never Forget Kyle Norris was started by friends.
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Kyle’s mother Sue said it’s a platform for Mark (Kyle’s dad), herself and friends to share what Kyle meant to them, express how much they miss him, where birthdays are celebrated and most importantly Kyle is remembered.
“Only the people who have lost a child will ever understand how it breaks you – the pain of losing a child is unlike any other,” said Sue.
Following the loss of their son, Sue and Mark emigrated in the hopes of distancing themselves from the tragedy.
Sue said she believes that a person’s level of atonement should match the level of their crime.
“Redemption is found through atonement. I don’t believe a killer can be reformed. I believe they can only refrain from past behaviour.”
Speaking about why Kyle’s friends were not present at the trial’s proceedings, Sue explained that she and Mark did not want Kyles’ friends to be further traumatised by having to face Street.
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“They were still young and in pain – they were finishing school and trying to move on with their lives,” said Sue.
This year marks 18 years since Kyle’s death.
Kyle is described by family and friends as a kind and vibrant soul who brought joy to everyone he met.
He often brought everyone together and would hang out at the park down the road at the college they attended.
A lynchpin for friend groups, Kyle’s energy and character saw people come together and celebrate life.
He was born on March 27, 1988, and Sue remembers her son as a mature and independent person, who had powerful beliefs about right and wrong.
“He was the least judgmental person I knew. I tried so hard to teach him not to jump to conclusions over what people do.
“I taught him that we can never know another person’s life and, therefore, could never judge what pain or confusion may lie behind their actions.
“He believed no one could sympathise, share with, have compassion for or help anyone unless a person made the effort to understand,” said Sue.
“All his efforts in life were towards friends and he believed that there was a certain amount of duty within a family that didn’t necessarily reflect the truth about how you felt about someone,” said Sue.
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“Friendship is a choice, and to be known as someone’s friend was the highest honour that that person could bestow on him.”
Sue said as Kyle got older his gift of devoted attention grew stronger and stronger and he captivated people with his gaze and his heart.
Debbie Hunter, the mother of Kyle’s friend Matt Gradwell, recalls a conversation with Kyle about life and death.
“It was so deep, and it blew me away how wise he was. A few days later Kyle was gone. His death destroyed the lives of my children, Kyle’s family and his friends. Our lives were never the same after his death.”
“I was able to be myself around Kyle because he didn’t judge. He taught me how to be comfortable with who I was,” said Bianca Bowie.
Simone Burger said Kyle loved deeply and never judged people by face value.
“He was not a violent person. He was a loyal and caring friend, who would stand up for the people he loved,” said Simone.
Monica Smith was 13 years old when she met Kyle.
“Kyle knew I was being bullied at school by a group of girls who had invited me to a ‘couple’s dinner party’.
“Kyle offered to be my date because he wanted to protect me and make me feel important and safe,” said Monica.
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Rory and Jed Freier also cherish fond memories of Kyle whilst messages sent to the NEWS described Kyle as a gentle and humble person.
Kyle’s friends continue to honour and defend his memory fiercely.
Even though Kyle will always be honoured some wounds never heal completely and Kyle’s death exhibited that.
Although Kyle will be remembered and valued by those who loved and knew him, it’s the same friends and family that will carry the trauma and memory of his loss.
