The RCMP have been unable to pinpoint any "questionable lifestyle" factors that would have contributed to the death of a British Columbia university student who was gunned down after a late-night study session.
Maple Batalia, a 19-year-old nursing student at Simon Fraser University, was found suffering from gunshot wounds in a Surrey, B.C., parking garage in the early hours of Wednesday morning. She was rushed to a local hospital, but would not survive.
Dozens of officers are now working the case, though police say they have yet to determine whether Batalia knew her attacker.
While Batalia's father has pointed a finger at a former schoolmate, RCMP Sgt. Peter Thiessen said investigators are speaking to a variety of individuals as they try to solve her slaying.
Thiessen said police have determined that Batalia was not involved in drugs or gangs, or anything illicit that would have put her life at risk.
"She was an outstanding student, a pillar in her community," Thiessen said Thursday.
"She was a beautiful young lady in the prime of her life and this is not a result of a questionable lifestyle on her part."
Thiessen said between 40 and 50 officers are currently involved in the investigation into Batalia's death.
The young woman's father has pleaded for police to find out who killed his daughter and he has pledged to wear only black while he waits for an arrest.
"I won't wear any other colour for the rest of my life until I get justice," Harkirat Batalia told CTV British Columbia on Thursday.
In addition to her studies at Simon Fraser University, Batalia had pursued acting and modeling gigs, which she used to help pay for her education.
She had even landed a small role in one of the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" films adapted from the popular young-adult book series.
Like the slain woman's family, Batalia's friends are still coming to terms with the fact that she is gone from their lives.
Karen Kang had known Batalia since they were both very young.
She was one of a few friends putting up a picture of Batalia on Thursday near the place where the young woman was gunned down just a day before.
"We're just trying to remember the positive memories of her and don't even want to think of her going away like that," Kang told CTV British Columbia on Thursday.
With reports from CTV British Columbia reporters Michele Brunoro and Bhinder Sajan, as well as files from The Canadian Press
