A 45-year-old man died after being stabbed in downtown Maple Ridge early Saturday.
The man was attacked shortly after midnight on Dewdney Trunk Road and 223rd Street.
He was transported by ambulance to Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, but passed away from multiple stab wounds.
The RCMP Lower Mainland Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has taken control of the investigation. Police said it is too early to discuss a motive.
Friends have identified the man as Stacey Raymond King and decorated the street corner with balloons, flowers and cards. They were set to hold a small vigil for King on Saturday night. A date for his funeral has yet to be set.
A man at the memorial who did not want to be identified said he had known King since elementary school. He added that King was chased down the street before he was stabbed, most likely over a drug debt.
“We know who it is,” said the man.
King’s Facebook page is filled with messages from his friends, who remember him as a kind, caring person who made people laugh when they were down.
“I will miss you so much, our whole family will,” wrote Traci Woodcock.
“You truly were the best friend a person could ever want. I pray that they find the guy who did this to you.”
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