Condolences poured in Monday for a 42-year-old man who was shot dead during a home invasion in Cloverdale on Sunday night.
Police say Colin Hill (pictured at left) confronted a 22-year-old man trying to break into his home in the 16500-block of 64 Avenue just before midnight. During the confrontation, the suspect shot and killed Hill. The attacker then fled in a stolen vehicle.
At just before 2 a.m. Monday, Burnaby Mounties were called to an apartment by witnesses who said they saw a man with a gun attempting to break in. Burnaby RCMP arrested the man, who police believe is the same man who shot and killed Hill.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team identified the accused Tuesday morning as Khouri Lamar Green, who has been charged with second-degree murder. Police say he is a Surrey resident with an extensive criminal record.
He is expected to appear in Surrey Provincial Court Tuesday.
Hours after the tragedy, an outpouring of grief was posted on Hill’s Facebook page.
“I’m shocked and saddened by the news of your tragic passing,” wrote Ryan Aberdeen. “You were a great person and I’m glad we got to have many laughs together. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.”
Longtime friend Lowell Jordan said he’d been friends with hill since elementary school.
“I am devastated. A successful realtor and wonderful family man,” Jordan wrote. “I will miss you dearly my old friend.”
Chief Supt. Bill Fordy offered his condolences to the family of the victim.
“There is no question that these are the most painful moments that a family can endure,” said Fordy. “For police, they are also the hardest.”
Fordy said he is personally enraged at the senseless loss of life.
“As a Surrey resident, a father, and the officer in charge of the Surrey RCMP, I am very protective of this community,” he said. “And dealing with violent crime is my top priority.”
He said Hill’s death is not related to the spate of shootings in Surrey and Delta since March.
Anyone with information about Sunday night’s shooting is asked to call the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team tip line at 1-877-551-4448 (IHIT).
