REAL SCOOP: IHIT looking for tips in soccer star's murder
Credit to Author: Kim Bolan| Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2020 01:27:50 +0000
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team is hoping someone has information that will help them solve the murder of a 24-year-old soccer star from Coquitlam.
The body of Edi Bogere-Nyigwo was found in a vacant forested property in the 24500-block of Lougheed Highway in Maple Ridge on Jan. 11.
He had last been seen leaving his Coquitlam home at 7 p.m. on December 27, 2019, IHIT’s Sgt. Frank Jang said.
“Investigators are working to determine motive and are calling on those who knew Bogere-Nyigwo to come forward. There are no indications, so far, to suggest this incident is linked to any gang conflict,” Jang said.
“We don’t believe Edi’s death was random. We believe there are still those with important information who have yet to speak with us.”
He said “Edi was a talented soccer player and a member of Coquitlam’s Sparta SC U-18 squad that won the Canadian National Championship.”
“His friends describe him as someone who avoided trouble and many are wondering why anyone would harm him.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact IHIT at 1-877-551-4448 or ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Bogere-Nyigwo’s friend Kasra Rayani has started a Go Fund Me page for his family which has so far raised $6,500.
Rayani said “Edi was a gentle soul with an infectious smile. Family and friends have been overcome with unparalleled sorrow at this untimely catastrophe.”
He said Bogere-Nyigwo grew up in Coquitlam, attended Vanier Elementary, Como Lake Middle and Centennial Secondary schools.
“He was known to many friends and acquaintances as a polite young man.”
A celebration of his life will take place Feb. 8 at Burquitlam Funeral Home at 2 p.m.
Bogere-Nyigwo had a minor criminal record, according to the online court database.
In 2017, he was convicted of three counts of with breaching court-ordered conditions imposed earlier. He was sentenced to a year’s probation. And last year, he was pleaded guilty to willfully resisting a police officer and was placed on probation for another year.