2 men charged in fatal 2022 shooting in Maple Ridge, B.C., homicide team says

Cory William Thomas, 33, was gunned down at a home in Maple Ridge on Aug. 12, 2022. (IHIT)

Three years after Cory William Thomas was gunned down in Maple Ridge, B.C., authorities have announced charges against two suspects.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said Kyle Raymond Edlund, 27, is facing counts of second-degree murder with a firearm, break-and-enter of a dwelling, and possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm.

Richard Angelo Pignatelli, 26, is facing counts of manslaughter with a firearm and break-and-enter of a dwelling.

Both of the accused are Maple Ridge residents, police said.

“The charges laid reflect years of hard work and evidence gathering, underscoring the dedication of IHIT investigators throughout this case,” said Sgt. Freda Fong, in a statement.

“Murder is the most serious offence, which is why every step in the investigation must be informed, measured, and conducted with the utmost care.”

The 33-year-old victim was killed at a home on 216 Street on the morning of Aug. 12, 2022. He died at the scene, despite the efforts of first responders.

At the time, IHIT described the shooting as targeted and “connected to the local drug trade,” but not the Lower Mainland’s bloody gang conflict.

Fong said the homicide team will not be commenting on the case against Edlund and Pignatelli while it remains before the courts.