Fatal Maple Ridge altercation under homicide investigation, IHIT says

A homicide investigation is underway in Maple Ridge after a 28-year-old man died following an altercation on River Road, according to police.

Maple Ridge RCMP said officers responded to reports of a fight in progress in the 22300 block of River Road at approximately 6:51 p.m. on May 31. Upon arrival, officers located a man suffering from life-threatening injuries. Despite life-saving efforts by first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has taken over the investigation. According to an IHIT news release, investigators are working with the Maple Ridge RCMP Serious Crime Unit, Integrated Forensic Identification Services and the BC Coroners Service to determine what led to the fatal incident.

Investigators believe the altercation was an isolated and targeted event involving individuals who were known to each other. Police said there is currently no indication that the incident is connected to gang activity.

“Thanks to the quick actions taken by Maple Ridge RCMP officers, the scene was contained quickly which allowed investigators to preserve critical evidence,” Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT said. She added that witness interviews are ongoing as investigators work to establish the circumstances leading up to the altercation.