B.C. gang violence prompts reassurance

POLICE HAVE SIGHTS SET ON KNOWN MEMBERS

A “barbaric” crime scene found on the side of a road, shots fired into vehicles in targeted attacks, and murder investigations into the deaths of known gang members have prompted reassurances from British Columbia’s public safety minister.

Police have linked two murders and several shootings this month in Metro Vancouver to gang involvement.

Public Safety Minister Mike Morris said Friday that B.C.’s antigang units have their targets set on known gang members and their associates and he’s confident they are working hard on the investigations.

“I understand and share the public’s concern regarding the risk to innocent bystanders in gang violence. This is why police are working tirelessly to disrupt and stop these individuals,” Morris said in a statement.

Police launched an investigation Wednesday in Langley when a body was found on the side of a rural road.

Aerial photos from a media helicopter showed a dismembered body in a ditch.

On Friday, RCMP said the victim was 27-year-old Shaun Clary, who was believed to have gang associations.

“While investigators are aware of the heightened tension between particular gang associates, it would be premature to assume this conflict to be the direct motive for his homicide,” police said in a news release.

Police said it was too early in their investigation to determine if Clary’s death was linked to other homicides and recent cases of violence around Metro Vancouver.

“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,” Cpl. Meghan Foster of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said in the statement.

Also on Friday, RCMP in Burnaby held a news conference to reveal details in the latest shooting in that jurisdiction.

Police said they were called to an underground parking lot on Thursday night after gunshots were heard and a vehicle was seen leaving the scene.

Mounties said a lone occupant in a vehicle was unhurt in what was a targeted incident.

“The intended victim is known to police and is affiliated with an organized crime group,” police said.