Police have released a criminal profile of the unknown person believed to have murdered a 13-year-old girl in Burnaby’s Central Park last July.
Integrated Homicide Investigation Team Cpl. Frank Jang although police don’t have a suspect, their criminal profilers believe that the suspect may have lived near Central Park on July 18, the date of Marrisa’s death.
| Flowers, toys and notes to the family at a summertime memorial for Marrisa Shen. (Katya Slepian/Black Press) |
They believe the suspect may have moved away from the area unexpectedly, may now “uncharacteristically” avoid the Central Park area, have withdrawn from work and social activities, work and scheduled appointments.
Investigators say the suspect may be exhibiting suicidal actions and thoughts, increased or decreased their drug and alcohol use and showed particular interest in the media coverage of Marrisa’s death.
The young girl was first reported missing by her family on the evening of July 18. Her body was found in the southeast side of Burnaby’s Central Park at about 1:10 a.m. on July 19.
Jang cautioned that although the suspect may have left the Central Park area after Marrisa’s murder, they may have returned.
“We’re hoping that particularly that people who were living in the area on July 18, if you who recognize any of these characteristics of behaviours in someone that you know, please contact IHIT today,” said Jang told reporters Tuesday.
Asked if the description fit a first-time killer who felt remorseful after a crime, Jang declined to provide any specifics.
“It’s entirely possible,” said Jang.
In January, police launched a website to help compile the information they had so far and to continue to implore the public for tips.
Hundreds of tips have been received so far but no suspect has been identified.
“What I can tell you is that we had a list of persons of interest. Numerous names on that list have been crossed off but… we’ve added names to that list,” said Jang.
The website details video of the last time Marrisa was a seen alive, a timeline – including a map – and new footage detailing Marrisa’s last known whereabouts.
