The family of Corey Huu Le, killed in Williams Lake on May 18, is appealing for an end to violence.
"Corey was working hard to build a good life for himself and his family, and we ask that his life, and his death, be a lesson for us all to remember how precious life is, and to end the violence in our communities," the family said in a press release issued Monday, adding "Enough is enough."
Le was a family man who is survived by his wife, Corissa Billyboy, and a two-year-old daughter. He was a member of the Soda Creek Indian Band.
He is also the only brother to his sisters Shawna, Tia, Anita, Virginia, Angel and Bryce.
The family said despite the violent circumstances of his death, those who were involved and directly affected by this tragedy are encouraged not to take matters into their own hands.
"The family acknowledges that there is a lot of pain, anger and fear in the surrounding communities because of his death, and wish for no more conflict," they said in the release.
Family members also urged people to leave the investigation of Le's death to the RCMP and said they want to be left to grieve in peace and do not support violence in any way.
On Friday evening family, friends and supporters participated in a candlelight walk in his memory.
They walked from the corner of Midnight Drive and Western Avenue to the house where Le and his family lived on Eleventh Avenue.
At the walk, Le's aunt Ellie Sellars said the family wanted the public to know Le was not part of any gang and had been using his energies to turn his life around for the sake of his family.
A memorial of flowers, candles, a photograph of Le and his daughter, are still placed near the home. Even on Monday evening a single candle was burning.
Initially the RCMP reported that around 3:45 a.m. Le's body was located at the residence in the 1000 block of Eleventh Avenue North.
Police said they were treating the death as a homicide and encouraged the public to share information about the incident.
The police tape at the home was down by Friday morning and to date the RCMP have issued no new information about the investigation.
The family thanked RCMP Victim Services for assisting with their sharing circles and making themselves available.
They also, however, said they took offence to how the victim may have been portrayed in the Williams Lake Tribune’s May 21 edition.