A 20-year-old man associated with gangs in Surrey, B.C., has been charged in the fatal shooting of a teenager earlier this week.
Supt. Dan Malo of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team announced Friday that charges of second-degree murder have been approved against Steven Brandon Mulligan-Brum.
Adem Aliu, 17, was found shot to death on the road at 103 Avenue and 142 Street in the Whalley area of Surrey, about 40 kilometres east of Vancouver, early on Wednesday morning.
Police say Aliu and some friends had been drinking and were vandalizing and slashing tires on cars on the street early in the area close to where he was murdered.
Investigators believe Brum came outside of a home to confront Aliu. They say he caught up to the teen two blocks later, and then shot him to death on the street.
A vandalized vehicle has been associated with the accused.
"This clearly demonstrates that those involved in or with the gang lifestyle will go to any extent to protect their property," Supt. Malo said.
The incident has no ties to gangs, drugs or organized crime, police say. The victim and suspect were not known to each other. Brum is known to police.
Aliu had come to Canada from Albania about three years ago and lived with an uncle. He attended Guildford Learning Centre.
"This is a very tragic incident all around. Both families are deeply affected by an incident like this," Malo said.
With files from CTV British Columbia's Michele Brunoro
