Vancouver police have made a breakthrough in the killing of Aaron Webster, a brutal murder that shocked the city and traumatized the gay community.
Since Webster was clubbed to death in Stanley Park at about 2:30 a.m. on Nov. 17, 2001, public pressure has been intense to find his attackers.
Yesterday, police said a 19-year-old Burnaby man had been arrested and charges are pending.
"I give the police a great deal of credit -- I know it's been a very difficult case," said gay Vancouver Coun. Tim Stevenson. "The community has been particularly traumatized by this murder.
"This case really horrified the community, and brought people to action demanding that [the killers] be found."
Though police believed there were numerous witnesses to the crime, no-one had come forward, perhaps fearing for their own lives.
Jim Deva, a community activist and co-owner of the Little Sister's bookstore, welcomed the arrest.
"It's a very good beginning -- as a community we're relieved," said Deva. "There has been the rumour around that they knew who it was, and it was just a matter of time before someone was arrested."
But Deva said the arrest isn't a cure-all.
"It doesn't solve the problem of homophobia and violence," said Deva. "We still know that young males are driving around in cars with clubs."
At the time of Webster's death, police said they believed a number of people were involved in the crime.
Const. Sarah Bloor said further arrests are possible.
"It's an extremely active investigation, and further arrests may be possible," said Bloor. "It's a matter of following up evidence
. . . and going from there."
Bloor said she hopes that yesterday's arrest will embolden witnesses to come forward.
Webster, a 41-year-old photographer, was beaten near a "gay stroll" in Stanley Park. The murder sent shock waves through gay and lesbian communities all across Canada.
"Aaron's death has touched people he never knew -- gay and straight, people across the country," Rev. Brad Newcombe said at Webster's funeral.
At the remembrance service, Webster's sister Pamela Miller called on politicians to strengthen laws protecting gays and others who are victims of hate crimes.
"I hope the bigger picture is not lost," she told mourners. "We want to live in a country that is truly free. It's time for the laws of this country to be rewritten and to include all Canadians."
Bloor said Crown counsel will decide what charges to pursue, and whether the teen should be raised to adult court. Because the suspect was 17 at the time of the murder, his name cannot be released unless authorities decide to try him as an adult.
Stevenson called for more education to prevent such hate crimes.
"Our society has to work on homophobia," said Stevenson. "These are usually young people who drive in from the 'burbs and start threatening people.
"You've got to teach people not to hate."
© Copyright 2003 The Province