Vancouver police and the family of an innocent teen bystander killed in a shooting have made a plea to individuals who have information about a fatal shooting that claimed the life of an innocent teen bystander last year to come forward.

The Vancouver Police Department announced today (August 14) that they have become aware that there are people with key information about a double homicide but who are not willing to speak with police.

Investigators believe that 23-year-old Kevin Whiteside of Vancouver was near East Broadway Avenue and Ontario Street on on January 13, 2018, to allegedly kill 28-year-old Matthew Alexander Navas-Rivas, who had been at Indochine Kitchen and Bar with a female friend. When Whiteside left the restaurant, an exchange of gunfire broke out.

A 15-year-old Coquitlam high-school student, Alfred Wong, had been with his family in a vehicle that happened to be driving through the area at the time.

Unfortunately, after a bullet hit Wong, he was hospitalized in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries.

A third victim, an older man also in the vehicle, was hit by a bullet but only sustained minor injuries.

Navas-Rivas remained unharmed by the shooting but was murdered later on July 15, 2018, in Vancouver in a separate shooting. An investigation into his death is ongoing.

“I am pleased with how the investigation is progressing, but we know there are people who have critical information who have refused to provide investigators with that information,” VPD Staff Sgt. Mike Heard, team commander for case, stated in a news release. “We are making an appeal to these people to do the right thing and speak with us. Their information could help form important evidence that will make a significant difference in how this investigation plays out.”

Alfred’s parents made a plea for those with information to come forward.

“We know nothing can be done to bring Alfred back, but we think he deserves justice for his tragic death and we desperately want to know what happened that night,” Chelly Wong, Alfred’s mother, stated in a VPD news release. “Without your help, the police may not be able to arrest the killer, and our son will not be able to lay in rest. We ask for your help in giving closure to our grief. Please help us ensure the person responsible for killing our son is held accountable. We will forever be grateful for your help.”

Anyone who may have information about the murders of Whiteside and Wong is asked to contact detectives at 604-717-0515 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.