More than one year after Aaron Webster was beaten to death in Stanley Park, police have charged a young Burnaby man with manslaughter.

The 19-year-old was picked up by Vancouver police Wednesday morning, taken into custody for questioning and arrested, said media liaison Constable Sarah Bloor.

At the time of the murder, 15 months ago, the suspect was 17 years old and therefore cannot be identified under the young offenders act.

Crown spokesman Geoffrey Gaul says the man will be raised to adult court to face the charge and at that time his name may be released.

However, the accused's lawyer will try to keep the case in youth court.

Webster's beaten body was found by a close friend in Stanley Park Nov. 17, 2001. He was naked except for his hiking boots.

Webster, 41, was gay and his body was found near an area of Stanley Park frequented by homosexuals seeking anonymous sex.

At the time, police said the murder was likely committed by several people and was likely a hate crime.

Bloor could not say whether the man arrested Wednesday admitted to being motivated by hatred towards homosexuals.

"Ultimately, the evidence will be presented to Crown and Crown will have to determine whether a hate bias is involved," she said.

A bail hearing for the accused has been set for February 18th.

Vancouver Police say they are anticipating more arrests in the case.

City Councillor Tim Stevenson said he is hopeful that more arrests will be made.

"I think the community will be relieved," Stevenson said.

"Obviously, there are probably more people that this young man will help the police find. This is a big breakthrough and I really commend the police.

"There's been enormous pressure on them to arrest someone."

Stevenson said he wasn't surprised at the age of the suspect or that he was from outside Vancouver. He said, as far as he knows, most of the hate crimes that happen in the West End -- whether verbal or physical in nature -- are generated by young men from the outskirts of the city.

"That's generally what I think we're finding. That is, young men with their testosterone really popping and driving around in cars throughout the West End," he said. "They are either calling out hate remarks or actually getting out and taunting or shoving, and then it escalates to punching and hitting."

Both Bloor and Stevenson noted the murder and subsequent investigation brought the West End community together in an effort to find those responsible.

"The community has been very active since this homicide occurred, as far as providing information to police," Bloor said. "There have been a lot of community initiatives that have taken place."

Stevenson said there has been a high level of fear since Webster's murder and Wednesday's arrest provides some relief.

Lorne Mayencourt, Liberal MLA for Vancouver-Burrard, commended police for their dedication to the case.

"This is a great relief, not only for me, but for the community," Mayencourt said. "We've been living with the fear of having these individuals out on the street. It will be a great relief to know that we're going to find some closure on this."

© Copyright 2003 Vancouver Sun

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