A fundraiser has been launched to help the family of a 15-year-old teen murdered near Robson Square on Saturday night bring his body home.
Mussie Gebreamlak Woldai and Yorsaelm Okubazghi Gebrihiwet have organized the fundraiser through the platform Selamfundme.
While authorities have not formally announced the teenage victim’s identity, family and friends have confirmed him to be Sened Mussie Gebreamlak Woldai.
“With deep sorrow, we share the heartbreaking loss of our beloved son, Sened Mussie Gebreamlak Woldai, born on Feb. 1, 2010, and passed away on July 20, 2025,” said the fundraiser.
“Sened was a kind, joyful, and compassionate boy whose bright smile touched many lives. We are preparing to lay him to rest in Eritrea and kindly ask for your support to help cover funeral and travel expenses.”
In a statement, Vancouver Police Department (VPD) said a 17-year-old suspect was taken into custody around 11 p.m. on Monday after they turned themselves in to a patrol officer near Kingsway and Nanaimo Street.
The arrest came hours after VPD made a public plea for information on Monday afternoon.
Daily Hive Staff
According to police, the victim, a resident of Surrey, was stabbed just before 11:40 p.m. on Saturday, near the Vancouver Law Courts at Smithe and Hornby.
First responders and officers responded to the incident after a passerby called 911. The injured teen was located on Hornby Street, and authorities provided emergency first aid. The victim died in hospital early Sunday morning.
VPD Cst. Steve Addison was unable to reveal many details about the ongoing investigation and noted that an altercation had happened before the homicide took place near Robson Square. Addison confirmed that VPD was also reviewing CCTV footage around the area where the stabbing occurred.
No charges have been laid at this time.
Vancouver police are asking anyone with information to call 604-717-2500.
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At the time of reporting, the fundraiser had raised over $1,725 of its $25,000 goal. The Eritrean Community Association in Vancouver also issued a public plea for people to help the victim’s family.
“We come to you today with heavy hearts as we share the heartbreaking news of the loss of our beloved son, Sened Mussie,” said the association on social media. “We extend our deepest condolences to the parents of Sened, Mr. Mussie Gebreamlak Woldai and Ms. Yorsalem Okubazghi Gebrihiwet.
“This news has deeply touched our hearts, and it is incredibly difficult to accept. We pray that God grants you strength, peace, and comfort during this very painful time. As a community, we must come together to support the family in every way possible.”
With files from Daily Hive Staff