A man who was wanted on a court order for previous offences after he was a no show has been charged in the Tuesday killing of a Burnaby RCMP officer  The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) announced Wednesday they arrested 37-year old Jongwon Ham, of Burnaby, in the homicide of Constable Shaelyn Yang, with a charge of first degree murder being laid in consultation with the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS).

By PD Raj – Senior Writer DESIBUZZCanada

SURREY – A man who was wanted on a court order for previous offences after he was a no show has been charged in the Tuesday killing of a Burnaby RCMP officer 

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) announced Wednesday they arrested 37-year old Jongwon Ham, of Burnaby, in the homicide of Constable Shaelyn Yang, with a charge of first degree murder being laid in consultation with the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS).

On October 18, at approximately 11:05 a.m., Burnaby RCMP were called to assist with a complaint relating to a transient camp near Broadview Park and Canada Way, in Burnaby. During the call to service, Cst. Shaelyn Yang of the Burnaby RCMP’s Police Mental Health and Homeless Outreach Team, became engaged in an altercation with a man which resulted in Cst. Yang being fatally stabbed. 

The man also sustained serious injuries. Emergency Health Services transported both the man and Cst. Yang to hospitals, where tragically, Cst. Yang succumbed to her injuries.

On October 19, a charge of first degree murder was laid against Ham, who remained in custody following his arrest on October 18.

“I understand this tragedy has a profound effect, not only for Cst. Yang’s family and friends but for the entire community”, says Superintendent Mandeep Mooker, Office- in-Charge of IHIT. “This is a time to come together and support one another. We send our condolences to Cst. Yang’s family, friends and colleagues.”

“It is with deep sorrow that I stand here today with Burnaby’s Officer-in-Charge, Chief Superintendent Graham De La Gorgendiere to announce this terrible news,” said Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, BC RCMP Commanding Officer.

“I join with him and the Commissioner in expressing our heartfelt condolences to Cst. Yang’s family and extended family, friends and colleagues.”

Cst. Yang lived in Richmond and was an active volunteer.  She started her career volunteering part time with the Richmond RCMP’s Victim Services unit later as a full-time volunteer.

In 2019, she decided to become a police officer and entered training at Depot in June of that same year.  Cst. Yang graduated in December as a member of Troop 8 and was posted to Burnaby Detachment.  She was a loving wife, sister and daughter.

Those she worked with before joining the RCMP and her police colleagues today, describe Cst. Yang as a kind and compassionate person, which makes her death even more difficult to accept.

IHIT is asking that anyone who was in the area of the Broadview Park, off Canada Way, between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on October 18, 2022, or who has any information regarding the homicide, to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.