Vanessa Renteria dies in fatal Surrey shooting
Vanessa Renteria dies in fatal Surrey shooting
Fatal Surrey shooting death of Vanessa Renteria – Obituary
Advocates have confirmed that the woman who was shot and killed by police in Surrey, British Columbia, was Vanessa Renteria, a Colombian refugee who was raising a young daughter. Renteria, originally from Buenaventura, Colombia, had recently arrived in Canada before her tragic encounter with law enforcement early Thursday morning, according to Angela Marie MacDougall from Battered Women’s Support Services.
MacDougall noted that Renteria had been approved for permanent residency and had established connections within her community, including involvement in a local church. “She was well-liked and described as calm, kind, and a devoted mother,” MacDougall said. “Like many hardworking mothers, she was striving to build a new life for herself and her child.”
Witnesses were taken aback by the events leading to her death. Authorities reported that they responded to a disturbance call at a Cloverdale residence around 4:40 a.m. Thursday, where a woman was allegedly barricaded in a room, reportedly holding a weapon near a toddler.
Shortly after, gunfire erupted in the area. Friends of Renteria gathered at the scene later that day, expressing their disbelief and anger. “The police have a variety of tools and resources, and it’s hard to understand how they could justify killing someone who was unarmed,” said Gaston Ntabaza. “We are seeking justice.”
Officials have not disclosed whether a weapon was found at the scene or if the toddler was present during the shooting. It remains uncertain who made the initial disturbance call.
The B.C. RCMP stated that they would not provide further information while the incident is being investigated by the Independent Investigations Office, the provincial police watchdog.
MacDougall highlighted that Renteria primarily spoke Spanish, raising concerns about possible language barriers during the encounter. She criticized the RCMP for not utilizing de-escalation techniques effectively before resorting to lethal force. “In 2024, we expect the RCMP to possess the skills necessary to de-escalate situations,” MacDougall remarked. “They should have done everything possible to prevent violence against a mother in the presence of her child.”
CTV News reached out to the B.C. RCMP for clarification on whether de-escalation tactics were employed during the incident or if an interpreter was involved but has not yet received a response. The Independent Investigations Office has indicated that their initial steps involve determining whether the force used by police was necessary and appropriate under the circumstances.
The watchdog is responsible for investigating all incidents involving police that lead to death or serious injury, regardless of any alleged misconduct by law enforcement.
Vanessa Renteria dies in fatal Surrey shooting Fatal Surrey shooting death of Vanessa Renteria – Obituary Advocates have confirmed that the woman who was shot and killed by police in Surrey, British Columbia, was Vanessa Renteria, a Colombian refugee who was raising a young daughter. Renteria, originally from Buenaventura, Colombia, had recently arrived in Canada…
Vanessa Renteria dies in fatal Surrey shooting Fatal Surrey shooting death of Vanessa Renteria – Obituary Advocates have confirmed that the woman who was shot and killed by police in Surrey, British Columbia, was Vanessa Renteria, a Colombian refugee who was raising a young daughter. Renteria, originally from Buenaventura, Colombia, had recently arrived in Canada…