Langley tenants live in fear after alleged violence at house
Couple seeks a new home after reports of stabbing, shooting at landlord's unit
A Langley couple says they're caught living in a nightmare because the upstairs in their house, occupied by the landlord, has been the target of a recent drive-by shooting and several police visits.
Elyse Malahoff, 34, has been renting a basement suite in the Willoughby neighbourhood with her girlfriend Christine Hammond, 27, for close to a year now.
Up until last month, the couple — who pay $1,200 a month for the two-bedroom suite — had little to no problems with where they lived.
“It's super-community-oriented. They have block parties in the streets,” says Malahoff.
But ever since Feb. 13, when Malahoff alleges a stabbing took place in the top floor of their home, the couple says they have been in a rush to move out.
“We don't leave or open our windows or blinds when we are home. We're so scared, we feel like we're in a jail,” says Malahoff, who works full-time as a landscaper.
“Police with their guns drawn told us to come outside with our hands in the air,” said Malahoff, who says neither she nor her girlfriend are connected to the violence that has recently unfolded at their doorstep.
The pair was handcuffed and released.
A second incident, on the morning of Feb. 23, caused at least one bullet hole to tear through the upstairs of the home.
“I left seven minutes before it happened for work, but got a notification from my home surveillance camera. When I looked, I saw a police officer was at my door,” said Malahoff. “When I drove back, the house was taped off. I couldn't go inside.”
Langley RCMP said officers who arrived at the residence following the incident located evidence consistent with a shooting.
Langley RCMP Cpl. Craig van Herk told Postmedia News on Thursday that the incident is still under investigation. No injuries were reported.
“I can confirm we've been to the residence before and that there is a separate investigation ongoing. There have been no updates as to any connections between the incident on Feb. 23 and the other ongoing investigation,” van Herk said.
Now, the couple — who say they have become accustomed to being interviewed by police — live in constant fear for their safety.
“We have had hate notes put on our vehicles, ones that say stuff like: `You're gay, get outta here,'” says Malahoff. “We're worried that landlords might not rent to us because of an association with this violence.”
However, the pair say they're limited by current rental prices. Their current suite, which is in a subdivision just south of Richard Bulpitt Elementary, is privately owned, according to a provincial registry.
“We wanted to stay in Langley, but we simply cannot afford a two-bedroom apartment in this market. We expect to have to downsize, but don't care where we go as long as we can get out of here as soon as possible.”
On Wednesday, the couple launched an online fundraiser to help with the moving costs and the cost difference of rent for a new place.