A recent review of a 2008 murder at a New Year's Eve party has uncovered new leads and investigators are again asking anyone with information to speak up.
The body of 21-year-old Payton Booker Buckner, also known as Dexter, a Mission resident, was found in a residential driveway on Laurel Avenue just before midnight on Dec. 31.
Police determined the victim was involved in an altercation at a nearby house party and Cpl. Dale Carr of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) reports police have spoken to some partygoers, but they believe there is a core group of people who have critical information to the investigations that aren't coming forward.
Reviews are done on a regular basis and just because an investigation is stalled, it doesn't mean it's just sitting in a box, explained Carr.
"We are happy with where we are and now is a good time to appeal to people at the party from various communities."
Police believe there were people from Maple Ridge and Coquitlam at the party as well and have an idea who is involved in the core group they are trying to locate.
"We know some are covering up for others and being evasive," said Carr, while others are not making themselves available to investigators.
“Holding on to information about a homicide is a heavy burden to carry. Now is the time to unburden yourself of that information and come forward with the full details regarding the murder of Payton 'Dexter' Buckner,” Carr said.
Police say Buckner was at the party and believe he was targeted.
"The altercation wasn't initiated by Buckner."
Police want to get to the bottom of this crime and give his family some answers, added Carr.
Anyone with information regarding this murder is asked to call the IHIT TIP Line at 1-877-551-IHIT. If you wish to remain anonymous please call 1-800-222-TIPS.