Community group seeks meeting with police over murder

Area residents want updates on probe of Marisa Shen killing, cameras in park

A community group formed after the murder of 13-year-old Marrisa Shen wants frequent updates from police and video surveillance installed at the entrance to the park where her body was found July 19.

Valentine Wu said his group is disappointed by a perceived lack of communication from investigators working to find the Burnaby teen’s killer.

Shen was last seen on the evening of July 18. Her body was discovered early the next morning in Burnaby’s Central Park. Since then, police have said they believe her murder was random. They’ve also followed up on more than 200 tips and collected video from 60 locations.

Homicide team spokeswoman Cpl. Meghan Foster said investigators are working “tirelessly” on the case, adding they are committed to keeping the public updated as it relates to public safety.

But Wu said he wants more accountability.

“We want more transparency. We want to know the process police are following,” he said.

Wu’s group, which is made up of five community members, held a small rally on Sept. 17 to remember Shen and press for justice.

Wu said Burnaby RCMP seemed open to meeting with them about their concerns following the rally, but later asked that they send them in writing.

Wu said his group would feel more comfortable meeting “in person” rather than communicating through email.

Burnaby RCMP did not respond to a request for comment by deadline.

Wu said he’d also like to see CCTV installed at the entrance to Central Park. It is unclear whether there is video surveillance in the area already.

“We want to make sure people feel safe,” he said.