The dismembered body found on a stretch of rural road in Langley on Wednesday morning has been identified by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT).
The male victim is 27-year-old Shaun Alan Clary and police believe he had gang associations and the homicide was targeted.
But IHIT is quick to point out that while investigators are aware of the heightened tension between particular gang associates, it is too early to assume this conflict is directly responsible for this homicide.
Currently police are unable to confirm if Clary’s homicide is linked with other homicides, or other recent cases of violence.
“The targeted and barbaric nature of this homicide is not lost on investigators or the public, and we are working tirelessly to gather evidence to move forward,” said IHIT Cpl. Meghan Foster in a statement.
“There are individuals out there who have the intimate details in regards to the flagrant disregard for Mr. Clary’s life. We are looking to speak with those individuals and ultimately hold those responsible, accountable.”
Neighbours in the area called the homicide disturbing and unnerving. They are especially concerned given that 10 days ago, a 56-year-old Burnaby man who was a senior member of the Hells Angels was found dead about a 10 minute drive away. In that case, 27-year-old Jason Wallace was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the homicide of Robert Green on Oct. 16.
On the same day as Green’s death, another shooting happened when a male victim was shot in the leg near the Greater Vancouver Zoo just after 7 p.m.
He was found at the nearby McDonald’s in the 26400-block of 56 Avenue. The victim, a 29-year-old from Mission who is known to police, was rushed to hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. So far, police have not arrested anyone connected with the shooting.
IHIT investigators are in the early stages of the investigation and is working with Langley RCMP to continue canvassing the area and find any witnesses.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact IHIT or Crime Stoppers.
~ with files from Amy Judd