Family of shooting victim asks for help finding killer
Surrey woman unintentionally shot in targeted incident
The family of Shana Harris, a young woman who was the unintended victim of a targeted shooting in Surrey in February, is appealing for help to find her killer.
“Shana's killers are still out there. We are reaching out to the public for any information that might help bring justice to those responsible and bring closure to our family and justice for Shana,” Ryan Morris, Harris' uncle, said in a statement provided by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team on Tuesday.
“The events of that day have not only ripped a huge hole in the hearts and lives of our family, but also the many friends and people that Shana met during her short time on this earth. I was unaware of the many people whose lives Shana touched.”
On the morning of Feb. 4, Surrey RCMP responded to reports of shots fired at a residence near 108 Avenue and 139A Street.
They arrived to find a man and a woman with gunshot wounds. The man survived, but Harris succumbed to her injuries and died in hospital. The shooting is believed to have been a targeted incident.
An investigation continues, but no arrests have been made.
“There was speculation at the onset of the investigation about who was the actual intended victim of the shooting,” said Sgt. Frank Jang, a spokesman for IHIT. “After careful analysis of the evidence gathered so far, we believe that Shana was the unintended victim of a targeted shooting.”
Morris said his niece was born with mental and physical disabilities. She had difficulties connecting with her peers in grade school and battled many adversities in her life.
“At the time of her death, Shana was in active addiction. She aspired to escape her life of addiction and wanted to become an addictions counsellor,” said Morris. “Shana would always want to help others, so we feel her legacy should do just that. Shana's middle name was Faith. We may have lost Shana, but we are keeping the faith.”
The family has set up a Facebook page called “I Am Shana's Voice” to advocate for changes, resources and supports that are needed to help protect other people facing similar struggles.
“We are hoping to raise more awareness for mental health. More resources and supports are needed for families who have children with mental disabilities, such as behavioural and personality disorders,” said Morris. “There is presently a huge gap in supports for these children and the families that do their best to support them.”
Anyone with information about this investigation can call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448). Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).