Senior ID’d as victim of shooting at homeless encampment in B.C.’s Fraser Valley

A man killed in a shooting at an Abbotsford homeless encampment has been identified.

Authorities have publicly identified the victim of a shooting at a homeless encampment in B.C.’s Fraser Valley this week, as investigators continue piecing together what happened.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said Wayne Versfelt, 69, was the man killed in Monday night’s shooting at the encampment located at the Whatcom Park and Ride in Abbotsford.

In a news release Thursday, IHIT described the killing as an “isolated and targeted incident involving residents at the encampment.” The homicide team shared Versfelt’s name and picture in the hopes of advancing the investigation into his death.

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“This is a tight-knit community, and we believe there are those with knowledge of the shooting who have yet to speak with police,” said Sgt. Freda Fong, in a statement.

“Homicide investigators are still in the area and now is the time to do the right thing.”

Authorities said they have identified persons of interest in the case, but are still working to locate them and determine what role they may have had in the incident.

The motive for Versfelt’s killing has not been determined, but IHIT said it does not appear to be related to gang activity or extortions.

IHIT asked anyone with information on the shooting to call its information line at 1-800-551-4448 or email [e-mail].