Wednesday marks the one-year anniversary of the homicide of 13-year-old Marrisa Shen.
Shen was reported missing by her parents on July 18, 2017, and her body was found in Burnaby’s Central Park seven hours later.
No arrests have been made in connection with her homicide.
In a statement ahead of the one-year anniversary, Shen’s mother thanked police for their hard work and hopes an arrest can be made “as soon as possible to comfort my daughter and return safety to our community.”
VIDEO: IHIT release surveillance video of Marrisa Shen’s last day
Six months ago, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) launched a website, MarrisaShen.org, that included details of the investigation with all available video clips of Shen’s movements before she disappeared.
Shen was last seen at a Tim Hortons restaurant near her home and at Central Park around 6 p.m. on July 18.
Her body was found in the park in the early hours of July 19, just hours after her mother had reported her missing.
In April, IHIT released a criminal profile of the person they believe was responsible.
Raw: IHIT release profile of person believed to have killed Marrisa Shen
Profilers believe the unknown offender may have lived near the area at the time and may have demonstrated any of the following behaviours following Shen’s death:
* Unexpectedly moved (either permanently or temporarily)
* Uncharacteristically avoided the Central Park area
* Withdrew from social or family activities
* Missed work or scheduled appointments
* Showed suicidal gestures or attempts
* Showed interest or special attention to the media coverage related to Marrisa Shen’s death
* Increased or decreased his or her drug and/or alcohol use
Following Shen’s death, Burnaby council approved a plan to bolster security in Central Park.
On Sunday night, a senior citizen suffered what police describe as life-altering injuries during an attack in Central Park.
Anyone with information on Shen’s death is asked to contact IHIT at 1-877-551-4448 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
— With files from Amy Judd, Estefania Duran and The Canadian Press