The family and friends of a man killed in a Vancouver hit-and-run last year are still waiting for someone to be held accountable.
Ryan Barron was struck by a car while skateboarding along Heather Street in the early morning hours of April 17, 2016. The 30-year-old was rushed to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
“There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about him,” said Ian Dummer, a friend and bandmate.
“He means a lot to a lot of people.” Days after Barron was killed, a badly damaged 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer was seized from a home in East Vancouver.
More than a year and a half later, however, police have not made any arrests or recommended any charges.
Vancouver police say the investigation is still active. Detectives have spoken with the vehicle’s owner and believe they know who was driving, but have been unable to reach a conclusion that would see justice served.
“The reason that it’s often difficult is quite simply to determine who is the driver,” said criminal defence lawyer Paul Doroshenko.
Surveillance video or even DNA evidence can help prove someone was behind the wheel, but police are often looking for someone to talk, he added.
“Sometimes it’s a statement from the driver to a co-worker or something like that,” Doroshenko said.
Watch the full interview with Paul Doroshenko on CTV:
http://bc.ctvnews.ca/loved-ones-of-vancouver-hit-and-run-victim-still-waiting-to-see-justice-1.3659302