It has been just over a year since the murder of Nicholas Larsen in an apparent drive-by shooting, but police are not saying whether there has been any progress with the investigation.
“It is ongoing, that’s really all I can tell you,” said Staff Sgt. Kevin Keane of the Salmon Arm RCMP detachment. “Our investigators are continuing their work on this.”
Shortly after midnight on June 1, 2011 members of the Salmon Arm RCMP Detachment responded to reports of shots fired in the community of Blind Bay.
Police investigation revealed that Larsen, 24, was gunned down by someone in a passing car while he travelled in a vehicle on Blind Bay Road.
It is believed Larsen was specifically targeted by his assailants.
At the time of the shooting, RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Annie Linteau would not comment on whether drugs or debts may have been the reason for the targeted shooting, but there was no information to suggest the killing was gang-related.
Larsen grew up in Sorrento, attending elementary school in that community before attending school at Salmon Arm Secondary. He was not employed at the time of his death.
Larsen’s parents and sibling are longtime residents of Sorrento.
Shortly after the news, Larsen’s father Bo told the Observer of his son’s trusting nature.
““He was a very sensitive guy, very sensitive and trusting. So much so that you’d have to talk to him, tell him that not everyone’s the same, that people can take advantage. Everyone else always came first with him.”
In a memorial post to the Observer, Larsen’s mother Shelley pours her sorrow into a poem addressed to her son.
“I’m so thankful that I called that night, to let you know I cared. But what happened a few short hours later, every parent should be spared...
“And I miss you with still with all my heart, my life is not the same. I cannot stop the tears that come, when I hear the whisper of your name.”
Keane would not comment on whether police have identified suspects, but said investigators would like to hear from anyone who might have more information.