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Hunt For Aaron's Killers Grows Cold
by Rich Peters
365Gay.com Newscenter, Vancouver
 

(December 3, Vancouver)  Aaron Webster's killer may never be found.  Webster is the gay man found naked and near death in a cruising area of Vancouver's Stanley Park two weeks ago.

Police said he had been beaten to death with a baseball bat or poll cue.

Officially labelled a hate-crime, the Vancouver Police Department followed up a number of leads but are no closer to finding the murderer of the popular 41 year old man.

Based on accounts of other men in the park at the time, as many as four people were involved in the slaying.

Police say unless one of the accomplices comes forward the only way they will catch the killer is if he strikes again.

Emergency dispatchers have been told to pass all 911 calls regarding suspected gay bashing directly to police.

At a public meeting a week ago, members of the gay community expressed concern that police were too slow to respond.

Insp. David Jones of the Vancouver Police Department said on the weekend: "We need to reassure the [gay] community that we're doing everything we can to keep them safe." 

Jones also encouraged people to call the gay-bashing line, 604-899-6203 and report any homophobic incidents. He said even verbal abuse shouted from cars on Davie Street in the Gay Village should be reported and the license numbers of the cars recorded.

That list will become a reference for police and those on it can expect to be contacted, Jones said.

A gay community fund set up to get money to offer a reward has grown to $2,000.  Community leaders are hoping to raise $10,000. The Justice For Aaron Webster Fund has an account at VanCity Credit Union and donations can be made at any branch.

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