A 19-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of 20-year-old Robel Kinfe Abera in New Westminster.
On April 27, at about 7:30 p.m., the New Westminster Police Department (NWPD) responded to reports of gunfire at Hume Park in the 600-block of East Columbia Street. Police arrived on scene to find Abera dead with gunshot wounds. A suspect was quickly identified and arrested by police near the scene of the shooting. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) was called in to take over the investigation.
IHIT and its partners from the NWPD have worked over the past weekend to collect evidence and forward the findings of the investigation for charge approval consideration.
On April 28, Sam Jafroudi was charged with second-degree murder for Abera’s death. Investigators believe the two men knew each other and this was not a random incident. It is not believed to be related to the Lower Mainland gang conflict.
“The quick response of the attending NWPD officers in identifying and arresting a suspect should be commended,” said IHIT Cpl. Frank Jang. “The work continues for IHIT as investigators will be busy completing final disclosure packages for furtherance to Crown Counsel.”
Anyone with information, who has yet to come forward to police, is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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