No arrests have been made and there are no suspects.
That’s the main message from the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team concerning Wednesday’s fatal shooting on Wickham Place that claimed the life of a 53-year-old Burnaby man.
At a press conference Thursday afternoon, Sgt. Stephanie Ashton, spokesperson for the homicide team, stressed the fact that police were still chasing down leads following the shooting and that there was no information available about any suspect or suspects.
When asked if she had a description or information about a suspect vehicle to share, she was clear in her response: police do not have a suspect.
Few other details were shared about the investigation.
Ashton did, however, say there was no reason for the public to be concerned that a shooter was on the loose in Burnaby.
“We are treating this homicide investigation with the seriousness it deserves, and the public can be assured all possible steps are being taken to address their concerns by conducting a thorough and detailed investigation,” Ashton added in a media statement.
Investigators believe the incident was targeted but don’t believe they’ll have any new information for a few days as the investigation continues.
The shooting took place around noon on July 15 in the 7900 block of Wickham Place, a cul-de-sac near Canada Way off Berkley Street. The victim, Burnaby resident Hanif Jessa, was the superintendent of street cleaning – nights for the City of Vancouver.
His death sparked a heavy response by the City of Vancouver and its police department.
In a statement, the police department said that “due to a threat against a City of Vancouver employee, the city and the police have taken the unusual steps of securing a number of works yards and job sites.”
One of Vancouver’s works yards was closed while the police department sent officers to other city buildings, including city hall, to provide extra security. At no time did the police believe there was a risk to the general public, the statement added.
Thursday morning, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson released a statement expressing his sadness following the city employee’s death.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden and tragic murder yesterday of a longtime city employee at his home in Burnaby. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” read the statement.
There were some rumours floating around social media that a suspect had been arrested in Port Moody, but Port Moody police confirmed this was not true.
“During the initial stages of yesterday’s tragic shooting in Burnaby, the city (of Port Moody) was made aware that there was a possible safety issue for two of its employees. As such, steps were taken to safeguard their well-being. As the evening progressed, we were made aware that the threat had subsided and the employees were no longer in danger,” read a statement by Port Moody police.
According to the homicide investigation team, a press conference was planned for Thursday afternoon, after press deadlines.
Anyone with information or anyone who may have been in the area of Wickham Place on Wednesday is asked to contact the homicide team at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by emailing [email protected]. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
