Two men have been charged in the 2022 murder of Cory William Thomas in Maple Ridge.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, (IHIT), arrested Richard Angelo Pignatelli, 26, and Kyle Raymond Edlund, 27, both of Maple Ridge.
Pignatelli was arrested on Friday, March 27, and the BC Prosecution Service laid one count of manslaughter with a firearm and one count of break and enter against him the following day.
Edlund was charged on Friday, April 10, with one count of second-degree murder with a firearm, break and enter, and possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm. He was arrested on April 11.
“The charges laid reflect years of hard work and evidence gathering, underscoring the dedication of IHIT investigators throughout this case,” said Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT.
“Murder is the most serious offence, which is why every step in the investigation must be informed, measured, and conducted with the utmost care. Investigators go to great lengths to navigate the challenges that come with complex investigations, and achieving charge approval is a significant milestone as this case moves forward,” added Fong.
On August 12, 2022, at around 11:42 a.m., Ridge Meadows RCMP responded to a shooting at a residence in the 11900-block of 216 Street in Maple Ridge.
Frontline officers located Thomas suffering from gunshot wounds.
But, despite life-saving efforts by first responders, the 33-year-old succumbed to his injuries.
At the time, investigators believed the shooting was a targeted incident connected to the local drug trade.
IHIT has continued to work in partnership with the Ridge Meadows RCMP, the Integrated Forensic Identification Service (IFIS), and the BC Coroners Service to advance this investigation.
Edlund remains in custody until his next court appearance which will be on Tuesday, April 14 for a bail hearing.
Pignatelli is also in custody and is due in Surrey Provincial Court on Wednesday, April 22, for a sentencing on gun charges from a July 14, 2022 incident, and in Port Coquitlam Law Courts for a bail hearing on Tuesday, April 28, for his current charges.
“As this matter is now before the courts, no further information will be released,” said Fong.