British Columbia

Victim of 'barbaric' Langley killing had suspected gang links

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has identifed Shaun Alan Clary, 27, as the man whose remains were found Wednesday morning near 243 Street and Robertson Crescent in Langley.

Police have identified Shaun Alan Clary, 27, as the man who was found dead in Langley this week

Shaun Clary, 27, has been identified as the victim of a homicide. (Shaun Clary/Facebook)

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has identified Shaun Alan Clary, 27, as the man whose remains were found Wednesday morning near 243 Street and Robertson Crescent in Langley.

"The targeted and barbaric nature of this homicide is not lost on investigators or the public, and we are working tirelessly to gather evidence to move forward," said Cpl. Meghan Foster with IHIT.

"There are individuals out there who have the intimate details in regards to the flagrant disregard for Mr. Clary's life. We are looking to speak with those individuals and ultimately hold those responsible, accountable."

Police say Clary is believed to have gang associations.

Gang war?

Clary's death came less than two weeks after well-known Hells Angel Robert Green was killed in Langley.

Jason Wallace, 27, has been charged with second-degree murder in Green's death.

Wallace was also arrested last year following a lengthy Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit investigation into the 856 Gang, which is based out of Aldergrove.

On October 26, a 44 year old man with organized crime links was shot as he was driving in Burnaby.

He crashed into a house but survived the incident.

Police say they are aware of the heightened tension between gang associates in the region but it would be premature to conclude that tension was the direct motive for Clary's death 

Foster says IHIT won't be providing additional details on any possible links between the violence for a variety of reasons.

"I don't want to compromise the integrity of our investigation, but also, we're not looking at creating any further conflict," she said.

They also won't be discussing the state in which Clary's body was found.

"It was horrific for our investigators," said Foster.

"At this point, it doesn't matter the state of his remains. What's important is we locate who did this and keep them accountable."

Additional government resources

Public Safety Minister Mike Morris said Friday that B.C.'s anti-gang units have their targets set on known gang members and their associates and he's confident they are working hard on the investigations.

"I understand and share the public's concern regarding the risk to innocent bystanders in gang violence. This is why police are working tirelessly to disrupt and stop these individuals," Morris said in a statement.

Morris said there are only three true outcomes to the gang life: injury, death or time behind bars.

"It's no way to live. Young people who are thinking a gang lifestyle is glamorous should pay attention to the violent outcomes we've been seeing lately. "

The minister said two newly established 10-person teams within the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit are now fully operational and the anti-gang units continue to make progress on B.C.'s expanded guns and gangs strategy.

With files from the Canadian Press