Funeral held for boy allegedly killed by his stepfather

THOROLD — Family and friends gathered Friday for the funeral of a seven-year-old boy who died last week in St. Catharines, leading to a murder charge against his stepfather.

Hundreds of people filled the Pleasantview Funeral Home to say goodbye to Nathan Dumas. He died on March 18 after being rushed to hospital the day before.

“It goes to show you what a beautiful boy he was that so many people came together to celebrate his life,” Nathan’s mother Whitney Dumas told The St. Catharines Standard.

Police launched a manhunt for his stepfather, 43-year-old Justin Kuijer. He was arrested on Tuesday in Kenora and appeared in court Thursday to face a firstdegree murder charge in Nathan’s death. He is set to appear in court again April 19. He is also charged with attempted murder in connection with an attack on a female bank employee.

AARON LYNETT, THE CANADIAN PRESS Therapy dogs help mourners after the funeral for seven-year-old Nathan Dumas in Thorold on Friday.

SUPPLIED PHOTO Nathan Dumas, left, died after being rushed to the hospital on Friday, March 17. Cause of death has not been released.