THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team on Tuesday identified Abbotsford’s Larch Park stabbing victim as 15-year-old Billy Ledoux in hopes of advancing the investigation.

At approximately 7:36 p.m. on Sunday evening, Abbotsford Police Department patrol officers responded to a report of a stabbing at Larch Park, located in the 2600-block of Beck Road.

Officers located a male youth suffering from critical, life-threatening injuries. Despite the immediate efforts of bystanders and first responders, the youth succumbed to his injuries.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) assumed conduct of the investigation and continues to work in close partnership with AbbyPD’s Major Crime Unit, Forensic Identification Services (FIS), and the BC Coroners Service.

IHIT said on Tuesday that after further investigation, two youths who were previously arrested by police near the scene have since been cleared of their involvement. They were not responsible for the stabbing and have been released to their parents.

The investigation is at its infancy and early indications suggest this incident was not random, said IHIT.

“Billy was only 15 years old and had his whole life ahead of him,” said IHIT Sgt. Freda Fong.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and classmates. As the community mourns the loss of Billy, his family asks that all come together to remember and celebrate his life. They are encouraging the community to seek peace, not revenge.”

She added: “We believe there are individuals who know what happened to Billy and we are asking them to do the right thing by contacting IHIT.”

Anyone who was in the vicinity of Larch Park between 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., or who may have dashcam footage from the area is urged to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.