A 19-year-old man known to police was shot and killed in what investigators are calling a “targeted and brazen attack” at a busy Burnaby shopping area Wednesday evening, sparking fear among shoppers and prompting a major homicide investigation.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) confirmed that the victim has been identified as 19-year-old Connor Sheriff, who was known to law enforcement and believed to have ties to the Lower Mainland drug trade.
According to the Burnaby RCMP, officers responded just after 6:30 p.m. on November 5 to multiple reports of gunfire near McKay Avenue and Kingsborough Street, an area surrounded by restaurants and retail stores. When officers arrived, they found Sheriff suffering from critical injuries. Despite emergency efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Minutes later, a vehicle was found engulfed in flames near Kingsway and Inman Avenue — less than two kilometers away. Investigators have since confirmed the burned vehicle was used in the shooting.
“This was a targeted and brazen shooting in a high-traffic area,” said Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT. “Those involved displayed a complete disregard for public safety.”
The homicide team is working alongside the Burnaby RCMP, the Integrated Forensic Identification Service (IFIS), and the BC Coroners Service to gather evidence and identify suspects.
Police are canvassing the area for surveillance footage and urging witnesses or anyone with dashcam video from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on November 5 near McKay Avenue, Kingsborough Street, Kingsway, or Inman Avenue to contact IHIT’s information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448).
Investigators believe the shooting was targeted but acknowledge the public nature of the attack put many innocent lives at risk.