Langley shooting victims remembered at vigil, calls grow to help those experiencing homelessness

Dozens of people gathered in Langley Wednesday night to remember the victims of last week’s shooting spree.

Paul David Wynn, 60, and Steven Furness, 43, were killed in the early-morning incident on July 25, while another man and woman were hurt before police shot the suspect, who died.

Wynn died at Creekstone Place, while Steven was found dead at the Langley bus loop near Logan Avenue and Glover Road.

Paul David Wynn, 60 (left), and Steven Furness, 43 (right), were killed in a shooting rampage in Langley on July 25, 2022. (Courtesy: IHIT)

“My brother, he was a hero and he saved lives. He took the blunt force of what happened that night, but more needs to be done. These two individuals that passed away — my brother and Steven — they didn’t need to die that way. That’s just a horrible way to go,” said John Wynn, Paul’s brother.

The vigil was as much a call to action as it was about the victims. Police initially suggested that Wynn and Furness were targeted because they were experiencing homelessness.

“They’re people, they are actually human beings sleeping on the streets. Steven died sleeping outside a building, and was just shot to death. It’s just not fair,” said one vigil speaker, echoing the comments of many in the days since the shooting.

“These people were asleep in their bedrooms. That man’s bedroom was at the bus loop. I think we can do better than that,” said another person, highlighting the need for more supports for the community’s most vulnerable — in Langley and beyond.

Others talked about how governments at all levels have failed when it comes to everything from valuing those on the edges of society to making a commitment, to addressing mental health and addiction. Calls continue to grow for leaders to take action rather than just speak words.

Frustration was evident.

“We’re known as the best place on earth and come here for freedom and all that stuff, and people are sleeping on the streets? People don’t have houses, people are losing their houses. Enough’s enough. The government needs to step up, we don’t need sorrys,” said on man.

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“You don’t want to say that I hope there won’t be any more of this. But when we have over a couple hundred people on the streets — honestly they’re scared, they’re hiding in the bushes, they’re not coming out,” a third woman said at the vigil.

Langley City Mayor Val van den Broek was also in attendance Wednesday night, offering her condolences to the loved ones of those killed.

“My heart and my thoughts and my prayers go out to the family and friends of these two gentlemen. No body deserves to die like this,” she said.

Most of the shootings happened before sunrise last week. The incident prompted an emergency alert sent to mobile phones across the region.

Investigators have said the 28-year-old suspect was known to them, though for “non-criminal contacts.” A motive for the shootings is still unclear.

-With files from Angela Bower and Denise Wong