19-year-old charged with second-degree murder in New Westminster fatal shooting

A 19-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder in connection to a fatal shooting that took place in New Westminster on Saturday.

According to police, the incident took place at approximately 7:30 pm on Saturday night, when officers were called to the 600-block of East Columbia Street near Hume Park for a report of shots fired.

Upon their arrival, police found 20-year-old Robel Kinfe Abera dead with gunshot wounds.

Police identified and arrested a suspect near the scene of the shooting. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) was called to take over the investigation.

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Sam Jafroudi, 19, was charged with second-degree murder for the death of Abera. Authorities say the men knew each other and this was was not a random incident. The shooting is not believed to be connected to gang conflict in the Lower Mainland.

“The quick response of the attending NWPD officers in identifying and arresting a suspect should be commended,” said Corporal Frank Jang of IHIT, in a statement. “The work continues for IHIT as investigators will be busy completing final disclosure packages for furtherance to Crown Counsel.”

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at [email protected] please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).