Police have named a 15-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in an Abbotsford, B.C., park on Sunday in the hope of progressing the investigation into what they believe was a targeted attack.
Investigators said the victim was Billy Ledoux.
They say two youths who were arrested near the scene were cleared of involvement in the stabbing.
Sgt. Freda Fong of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said in a statement that Ledoux's family was urging people not to seek revenge.
She said Ledoux "had his whole life ahead of him."
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and classmates. As the community mourns the loss of Billy, his family asks that all come together to remember and celebrate his life. They are encouraging the community to seek peace, not revenge.”
An online fundraiser that was set up on Monday shares the same photo of Ledoux that police later provided to media.
It says Ledoux was one of seven siblings and that his "love and big heart will never be forgotten."
"We tragically lost our boy last night in a way nobody should leave this world. We are lost for words," says the organizer who identifies herself as one of Ledoux's sisters.
"Billy was blessed with a huge family who loved him to bits...our lives won’t be the same without your smile little brother. We love you forever, fly high little buddy."
Fong said in an interview police believe a group of youths at the park had some sort of altercation that led to the stabbing of Ledoux.
IHIT said the investigation is in its infancy but there are early indications the attack in Larch Park was not random.
Abbotsford police found Ledoux with critical injuries around 7:36 p.m. on Sunday at the park in the 2600 block of Beck Road.
Police said he died of his injuries despite the efforts of bystanders and first responders.
Fong said investigators believe someone knows what happened to Ledoux and they're asking them to do the right thing and contact police.
The two youth who were arrested near the scene on Sunday have been released to their parents.
Fong said in the interview that investigators are focused on speaking to witnesses and youth who were at the park at the time.
"We're also doing an extensive video canvas to try to capture video evidence of who was there at the park at the time," said Fong.
Anyone who was near Larch Park between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday or who may have dashcam footage is urged to contact IHIT.
The Abbotsford School District released an online statement, saying the district was "aware of a tragic incident that has occurred in our community involving local youth."
The school district said such events had a profound impact on the community.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 27, 2025.
Nono Shen, The Canadian Press
