A popular teenager murdered in a daytime attack at a suburban Vancouver park was laid to rest this week in a private family ceremony that was also attended by Hells Angels.
Delta police Sgt. Sharlene Brooks was asked at a news conference Thursday afternoon if members of the notorious biker gang were at 15-year-old Laura Szendrei's funeral.
She confirmed they attended and said they were there to support Laura Szendrei's father.
Brooks appeared uncomfortable with the question and refused to elaborate or say whether police are investigating any connection between the Hells Angels and the death.
Brooks told reporters that police have still not determined if the daylight attack on the teenager on Saturday was random or targeted. Investigators also have not located a person of interest seen leaving the area where Szendrei was killed shortly after the attack.
But she added that police have received more than 150 tips about the murder.
Investigators have not ruled out possible connections between Szendrei's killing and previous incidents, and will be revisiting those cases, Brooks said.
Police have confirmed that there were two pepper-spraying incidents at local parks on Sept. 17. Earlier this year, two women were hit from behind with a blunt object while walking or running alone in separate incidents in the surburban city.
Bushes at Mackie Park will be trimmed
Delta city officials have also announced that the trees and bushes that line Mackie Park, where Szendrei was brutally beaten, will be trimmed down to improve visibility.
Parks staff will remove obstructing bushes and low branches from Mackie Park immediately, according to a release from Mayor Lois Jackson's office.
"The safety and well-being of our citizens is of utmost concern and priority," it reads.
"As well, Delta police will remain highly visible in and around North Delta schools, interacting with parents and students during this difficult time."
The letter cites public demand for officials to address potential safety concerns in the city's parks.
Councillor Robert Campell, chair of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission, has been tasked with identifying other areas of concern in Delta's parklands and report to council.
With files from The Canadian Press