Burnaby RCMP Constable Shaelyn Yang killed in the line of duty (updated)

Constable Shaelyn Yang Photo: BC RCMP

WEDNESDAY UPDATE:

Jongwon Ham, 37, of Burnaby has been charged with first-degree murder in the stabbing death of RCMP Constable Shaelyn Yang on Tuesday. He was remanded in custody. His next court appearance is set for November 2.

“I understand this tragedy has a profound effect, not only for Constbale Yang’s family and friends but for the entire community,” said Superintendent Mandeep Mooker, Officer-in-Charge of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT). “This is a time to come together and support one another. We send our condolences to Constable Yang’s family, friends and colleagues.”

IHIT is asking that anyone who was in the area of the Broadview Park, off Canada Way, between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on October 18, or who has any information regarding the homicide, to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

 

TUESDAY’S STORY

 

BURNABY RCMP Constable Shaelyn Yang was on Tuesday killed in the line of duty.

The BC RCMP on Tuesday evening said that they had notified the Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia (IIO BC) of an incident where a police officer died and the suspect was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

On October 18, Burnaby RCMP were dispatched to a complaint near the intersection of Canada Way and Curle Avenue.

While there, the attending officer became engaged in an altercation with a man which resulted in the officer being stabbed and the man being shot.

Emergency Health Services transported both to hospital, but the officer has since succumbed to their injuries.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has been deployed and will assume conduct in the investigation of the officer’s death.

The IIO BC will concurrently investigate the actions of police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

BC RCMP Commanding Officer, Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, and the Burnaby RCMP Detachment Commander, Chief Superintendent Graham De La Gorgendiere, addressing the media at the Burnaby RCMP Detachment.

Photos by SUKHWANT DHILLON / / AM 600 Sher-E-Punjab Radio

 

ADDRESSING the media at the Burnaby RCMP detachment, BC RCMP Commanding Officer, Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, said: “It is with a deep and profound sadness that I must advise the public of the homicide of Burnaby RCMP Constable Shaelyn Yang that occurred this morning in the line of duty.

“This is an extremely difficult and tragic day for the BC RCMP and members of Burnaby Detachment.

“I have spoken with acting RCMP Commissioner Brian Brennan and he has kindly offered any and all support necessary.

“It is with deep sorrow that I stand here today with Burnaby’s Officer-in-Charge, Chief Superintendent Graham De La Gorgendiere to announce this terrible news.

“I join with him and the Commissioner in expressing our heartfelt condolences to Constable Yang’s family and extended family, friends and colleagues.

“Constable Yang lived in Richmond and was an active volunteer. She started her career volunteering part time with the Richmond RCMP’s Victim Services unit later as a full-time volunteer.

“In 2019, she decided to become a police officer and entered training at Depot in June of that same year. Constable Yang graduated in December as a member of Troop 8 and was posted to Burnaby Detachment. She was a loving wife, sister and daughter.

“Those she worked with before joining the RCMP and her police colleagues today, describe Constable Yang as a kind and compassionate person, which makes her death even more difficult to accept.

“As to the investigation, there are few details we can provide at this time, but what I can tell you is, at approximately 11:05 a.m., Constable Yang, partnered with a City of Burnaby employee, and was engaged in her duties at a homeless camp on Gilmore Way. An altercation took place, and Constable Yang was fatally stabbed. Emergency responders attended the scene and despite their best efforts, Constable Yang succumbed to her injuries.

“The suspect associated to the file was also shot and injured – they remain in hospital with non-life threatening injuries. I can also tell you that Constable Yang died bravely; she answered the call to duty and paid the ultimate price. The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO BC) is now investigating the incident.

“A concurrent investigation into the murder of Constable Yang is also underway and will be conducted by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT).

“As the Commanding Officer of the BC RCMP, I can tell you that an on-duty death is the most difficult and heart-wrenching incident we deal with as an organization. Each and every day, police officers say good bye to their loved ones and go off to work to serve their communities with commitment and in Constable Yang’s case compassion for the people she served.

“I also want to thank the many police leaders who have offer their condolences and support and for those agencies that responded and assisted us, and continue to assist us, in our time of need.

“The loss of Shaelyn will be felt by so many. Her death impacts her family, friends, the wider RCMP family, and the vulnerable community she so passionately served. Her loss is immeasurable.”

 

BURNABY RCMP Detachment Commander, Chief Superintendent Graham De La Gorgendiere, said: “Constable Yang worked with Burnaby RCMP’s Police Mental Health and Homeless Outreach Team, where she was a valued member.

“Constable Yang was compassionate and caring – and she brought those skills every day to her job working with our community’s most vulnerable – including those experiencing homelessness or mental health issues.

“Working with mental health and homelessness can be challenging – but Shaelyn embraced it with passion. She found value working with this team and working to help those struggling in our community.

“Resources are being put in place to assist Constable Yang’s family and loved ones – and her colleagues here at Burnaby Detachment. We are all struggling to come to terms with this tragic loss.

“The hours, weeks, and months ahead will be difficult.”

 

MIKE Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, said in a statement: “Our thoughts are with Constable Shaelyn Yang’s colleagues in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and especially with her family, friends and other loved ones. On behalf of people throughout our province, I send them my deepest condolences.

“The death of an officer is a stark reminder of the dangers police face to keep us safe. Our officers go to incredible lengths to fulfil their oath to protect our communities. They put their lives on the line every day and we are profoundly grateful for their bravery and dedication.

“This is a horrific tragedy. Constable Yang’s colleagues and loved ones have received the most traumatic news possible. As they mourn, no words can ease their pain. I hope they take some comfort in knowing that she will be remembered forever as a hero for her service and sacrifice.

“This remains an ongoing police incident and an active investigation.”

 

EARLIER, the Metro Vancouver Transit Police tweeted: “Outrage builds as our hearts break. Our officers worked closely with her and she will be deeply missed. We send our condolences to her loved ones. We stand with Burnaby RCMP during this horrific time.”

There has been an outpouring of sympathy from all across the province and the country for the slain officer.

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