Two men have now been charged in relation to the August 2022 death of Cory William Thomas, 33. (Photo courtesy Integrated Homicide Investigation Team)
More than three and a half years after Cory William Thomas was gunned down inside a Maple Ridge home, police have arrested and charged two men in connection with his death — including one now facing a second-degree murder charge.
Kyle Raymond Edlund, 27, of Maple Ridge, was charged April 10, 2026, with one count of second-degree murder with a firearm, break and enter of a dwelling house, and possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm. IHIT investigators arrested him on April 11, 2026. He remains in custody pending his next court appearance.
Just days earlier, on March 27, 2026, investigators arrested 26-year-old Richard Angelo Pignatelli, also of Maple Ridge. The B.C. Prosecution Service laid one count of manslaughter with a firearm and one count of break and enter against Pignatelli on March 28, 2026.
The charges stem from the Aug. 12, 2022, shooting death of Thomas, 33. Ridge Meadows RCMP responded to a residence in the 11900-block of 216 Street just before noon that day, where officers found Thomas suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, he died at the scene.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) took over the case, working alongside Ridge Meadows RCMP, the Integrated Forensic Identification Service, and the B.C. Coroners Service. At the time, investigators said they believed the shooting was targeted and linked to the local drug trade.
“The charges laid reflect years of hard work and evidence gathering, underscoring the dedication of IHIT investigators throughout this case,” said Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT. “Murder is the most serious offence, which is why every step in the investigation must be informed, measured, and conducted with the utmost care. Investigators go to great lengths to navigate the challenges that come with complex investigations, and achieving charge approval is a significant milestone as this case moves forward.”
With the matter now before the courts, police say no further information will be released.
