THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is calling on the public to help further its ongoing investigation into the shooting death of Shana Harris.    

On February 4, at around 7:30 a.m., the 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 his injuries, but 22-year-old Harris succumbed to her injuries and died in hospital. The shooting is believed to be a targeted incident.

Investigators have been following the evidence trail for the past two months and a significant amount of information has been gathered.

“There was speculation at the onset of the investigation about who was the actual intended victim of the shooting,” said IHIT Sgt. Frank Jang on Tuesday. “After careful analysis of the evidence gathered so far, we believe that Shana was the unintended victim of a targeted shooting.”

Shana’s family is appealing for the public’s help for information and her uncle, Ryan Morris, released the following statement:

“The last two months have been the most difficult two months of our lives. On Thursday, February 4, 2021, our family became a unique statistic. In the early morning hours of that day, while in her home, my 22-year-old niece, Shana Harris Morris, was shot and killed. It’s the phone call that no family ever wants or expects to get.

“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.

“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.

“Shana was born with mental and physical disabilities. Shana had difficulties connecting with her peers in grade school and battled many adversities in her short 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. 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.

“In Shana’s honour, we have set up a Facebook page called “I Am Shana’s Voice”. Our hope is to not only advocate to our government for changes, resources, and supports that are needed to help protect our children and our families, but also, to set up support groups and connect families that are facing similar struggles.

“There are more than 200 classified forms of mental illness. 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. There is presently a huge gap in supports for these children and the families that do their best to support them. Unfortunately, many of these children with behavioural and personality disorders are ostracized by their peers and the community at a young age. They turn to negative behaviours such as drug and alcohol abuse, gangs, or connecting with people whose main goal is to use and exploit them. All they want is to be mattered. They just want to feel connected.

“This is what I believe Shana would have wanted. I am Shana’s voice. We all are Shana’s voice. The whisper is getting louder.

“We would like to thank all those that reached out to us. We would also like to thank the many people that donated to the Go Fund Me account set up for Shana’s casket, headstone and the memorial park bench in Chilliwack.

“Thank you again for your support and keep in the light.”

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

Should you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).