RCMP believe a group of people in Maple Ridge hold information that could be crucial to cracking a murder in Mission that’s remained unsolved for the past two years.
Payton Booker Buckner’s body was found on Dec. 31 2008 in a snowbank on the driveway of a house on Laurel Avenue.
Police believe Buckner, 21, died after a fight that took place at a house party nearby that was attended by as many as 80 people.
An autopsy revealed he was stabbed.
Cpl. Dale Carr with the RCMP’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said police have spoken to some partygoers, but feel there is a core group of people who have critical information to the investigation have yet to come forward.
People from Maple Ridge and Coquitlam attended the party, the said.
“We feel they have first-hand, intimate knowledge of the incident. To protect someone that has committed a crime as senseless as this one is unacceptable,” Carr added.
“Holding on to information about a homicide is a heavy burden to carry. Now is the time to unburden yourself of that information and come forward with the full details regarding the murder.”
Buckner was a graduate from Hatzic Secondary School and had minor “brushes” with the law.
Carr said Bucker was targeted by a group of people who are responsible for his murder.
“We believe the altercation was not initiated by Buckner at all.”
• Anyone with information on Buckner’s murder is asked to call the IHIT tip line at 1-877-551-IHIT. If you wish to remain anonymous call 1-800-222-TIPS.
