Nearly half a year after an 18-year-old man was shot and killed in Maple Ridge, the RCMP have now released an image of a key person of interest in the investigation and are asking for the public's help in identifying the individual.
The incident occurred on Jan. 20, with Ridge Meadows RCMP responding to reports of shots fired in the 22200-block of 123 Avenue.
The 18-year-old victim had been involved in a vehicle collision and was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds when officers arrived.
Not long after, reports of a vehicle fire in the 20800-block of 123 Avenue came in, which is believed by the RCMP to be connected to the shooting.
Five days after the shooting, the victim died in hospital, with the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) taking charge of the investigation.
IHIT has just released some video and images of a person of interest in the shooting, which were taken at a Mission store just before the shooting occurred on Jan. 20, explained IHIT media relations officer Sgt. Timothy Pierotti.
The individual is described as a Caucasian man in his 20s, with light brown hair and brown eyes. On the day of the shooting, he was wearing white sneakers, a Vans hoodie that said "Get out and get lost", and black pants with a red accent on the left leg.
"We’re asking for the public’s assistance in identifying this individual, who we believe has critical information that can help further our investigation," said Sgt. Pierotti.
"Six months ago, an 18-year-old boy was killed. IHIT remains dedicated to bringing justice for his family and the community."
Anyone with information about this individual can contact IHIT at 1-877-551-4448 or ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.