Maple Ridge homicide victim identified as Cory William Thomas

THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) on Saturday identified Friday’s homicide victim in Maple Ridge as 33-year-old Cory William Thomas in order to further identify witnesses and associates.

IHIT said the homicide appears to be a targeted shooting. Although still early in the investigation, IHIT believes that this incident is connected to the local drug trade but not associated to the ongoing Lower Mainland Gang Conflict.

On August 12 at approximately 11:42 a.m., Ridge Meadows RCMP responded to shooting at a residence in the 11900-block of 216 Street in Maple Ridge. Officers found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite intervention by RCMP and BC Paramedics, the man succumbed to his injuries. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) was called in to investigate.

IHIT is working in partnership with the Ridge Meadows RCMP, the Integrated Forensic Identification Section (IFIS), and the BC Coroners Service. The crime scene search has been completed.

Homicide investigators continue to canvass for witnesses and video footage. IHIT is looking to speak to anyone who has information about the activities of Thomas or CCTV footage around 216 Street, Lougheed Highway and Dewdney Trunk Road on August 12 around 11:42 a.m.

“We are able to confirm this is an isolated incident,” said IHIT Sgt. David Lee. “We are speaking to witnesses and providing support and victim services to those affected.”

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