Community Alert: Two Men Charged in 2022 Maple Ridge Homicide
Overview of the Incident
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has announced that two men from Maple Ridge, British Columbia have been charged in connection with a deadly shooting that occurred in August 2022. On August 12, 2022, at approximately 11:42 a.m., Ridge Meadows RCMP responded to reports of gunfire at a home in the 11900-block of 216 Street in Maple Ridge. Officers found a man suffering from gunshot wounds; despite immediate life-saving efforts by first responders, he was pronounced deceased.
The victim was identified as 33-year-old Cory William Thomas. Investigators determined early on that the shooting appeared to be targeted and believed to be linked to the local drug trade. IHIT, working with Ridge Meadows RCMP, the Integrated Forensic Identification Service (IFIS), and the BC Coroners Service, conducted a lengthy and complex investigation that has now resulted in multiple serious charges. For broader context on crime and public safety trends in the area, residents can review Maple Ridge crime statistics and safety data on CrimeCanada.ca.
Official RCMP and IHIT Details
According to IHIT, the following key investigative milestones and charges have been reported in relation to the homicide of Cory Thomas (IHIT File # 2022-1017):
Initial Incident – August 12, 2022
- At approximately 11:42 a.m., Ridge Meadows RCMP responded to a shooting at a residence in the 11900-block of 216 Street, Maple Ridge.
- Frontline officers located an adult man suffering from gunshot wounds inside the residence.
- First responders attempted life-saving measures, but the victim died from his injuries at the scene.
- The deceased was identified as 33-year-old Cory William Thomas.
- Investigators assessed that the shooting was a targeted act believed to be associated with the local drug trade.
Investigative Collaboration
- IHIT took conduct of the homicide investigation.
- IHIT worked in partnership with:
- Ridge Meadows RCMP
- Integrated Forensic Identification Service (IFIS)
- BC Coroners Service
- The investigation involved extensive evidence gathering over several years before charges were approved.
Charges and Arrest – Richard Angelo Pignatelli
- On March 27, 2026, IHIT investigators arrested 26-year-old Richard Angelo Pignatelli of Maple Ridge in relation to the homicide of Cory Thomas.
- On March 28, 2026, the BC Prosecution Service approved the following charges against Mr. Pignatelli in connection with the incident:
- One count of manslaughter with a firearm
- One count of break and enter of a dwelling house
Charges and Arrest – Kyle Raymond Edlund
- On April 10, 2026, 27-year-old Kyle Raymond Edlund of Maple Ridge was charged in relation to the same homicide.
- The charges approved against Mr. Edlund include:
- One count of second-degree murder with a firearm
- One count of break and enter of a dwelling house
- One count of possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
- On April 11, 2026, IHIT investigators arrested Mr. Edlund in relation to the homicide.
- Mr. Edlund remains in custody awaiting his next court appearance.
IHIT has emphasized that the charges are the result of a multi-year, evidence-driven investigation. Because the matter is now before the courts, no additional investigative details are being released at this time.
CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective
From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this case underscores how violence linked to the drug trade can impact neighbourhood safety across British Columbia, even within residential streets like those in Maple Ridge. Firearm-related offences and targeted shootings can create deep concern for residents, regardless of whether they are directly involved. Staying informed about local crime patterns, reporting suspicious activity promptly to RCMP, and making use of tools like our Maple Ridge crime and safety data are important steps communities can take to reduce risk and support early intervention. Our mission is to turn official police information into clear, accessible safety insight so residents can better understand threats, advocate for prevention strategies, and help build safer streets throughout British Columbia.
Official Source & Community Safety
This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the british-columbia community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.
Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.
