VANCOUVER — The family of a teen killed in Surrey one year ago is pleading for help finding his killers.
Tanner Krupa, 19, was found dead in an alley on Aug. 20, 2017, just after 5 a.m. following reports of a fight. Investigators quickly determined Krupa’s death was a homicide.
“We still remember vividly receiving the shocking news of his death. Tanner was only 19 years old when he was taken from us,” said Krupa’s mother in an emotional video statement released by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.
“Tanner did not have a criminal record and had never been in trouble. Never in a million years would we have thought he would pass away under such horrible circumstances.
“There was a complete disregard to public safety as he was murdered during the early morning hours in a quiet residential neighbourhood.”
His mother went on to describe him as a boy who loved playing inline and ice hockey and later developed a passion for bodybuilding and training. Tanner had a “contagious smile” and a “big heart which he wore on his sleeve,” plans to attend university that fall and no previous criminal record.
Investigators have since determined that there was likely a group of men involved in the original fight that led to Krupa’s death. It’s believed some of the men in the group did not participate in the assault but likely have first-hand information about what unfolded.
Police have also linked the group of men to a white Toyota Corolla and a white Honda Civic that were captured on video surveillance that same evening.
“It has been a long year for the family of Tanner Krupa, who are eagerly seeking answers to what happened to their loved one,” said Cpl. Frank Jang.
“We strongly urge those with knowledge of what happened to Tanner to come forward.”
Surrey RCMP is asking anyone who may have information about this group or either of the two vehicles to contact the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team at 1-877-551-4448 or ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
