More than a year after the murder of Elmer Libertino, a father of three from Burnaby, B.C., police have announced charges against a teenage suspect.
Libertino was found face-down and bloody in the middle of the road near Moscrop Street and Smith Avenue in the early morning hours of April 16, 2015.
Paramedics were called to the area, but couldn't save him. The 34-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.
On Monday, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team revealed one count of second-degree murder has been approved against Jordan Braun, a 19-year-old with no apparent connection to the victim.
"After a review of the evidence, there's nothing to suggest that Mr. Libertino and Mr. Braun were known to each other," Cpl. Meghan Foster said in a statement.
IHIT also shared a statement from the victim's family describing the devastating heartbreak they've felt since his sudden and tragic death.
"We are thankful for sharing the precious life of a dearest son, amazing brother, a trusted friend, a great and loving father and husband, Elmer, or Tootsie, as he was known to many," it said.
"Our hearts are irreparably broken and our lives are forever altered for his untimely and tragic loss."
Braun, who was barely 18 at the time of the killing, has also been charged with four counts of breaking and entering in Burnaby.
He is being held in custody pending his first court appearance, which is scheduled for Wednesday.
