More than five years after a young soccer player was found dead, a major development has emerged in the case. A 31-year-old Port Coquitlam man has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of 24-year-old Edi Bogere.
Years-Long Investigation Culminates in Arrest
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) announced the arrest and charges following a protracted investigation. Alan Mohammed Taheri, of Port Coquitlam, was taken into custody on December 19, 2024. He now faces one count of second-degree murder with a firearm and one count of indignity to human remains.
IHIT spokesperson Sgt. Freda Fong stated that investigators worked diligently for years to piece together the circumstances of Bogere's death. "IHIT investigators worked diligently on a years-long investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding Mr. Bogere’s death, which resulted in the identification of the suspect," Fong said.
Timeline of a Tragedy
The case dates back to late 2019. Edi Bogere was last seen alive on the evening of December 27, 2019, as he left his home in Coquitlam. His disappearance sparked concern among family and friends.
His body was discovered more than two weeks later, on January 11, 2020, in a vacant, forested lot in Maple Ridge. The Ridge Meadows RCMP attended the scene and quickly deemed the death suspicious, prompting the involvement of the specialized IHIT unit.
A Promising Life Cut Short
Edi Bogere was remembered at the time of his death as a talented athlete with a bright future. He was a soccer player and had been a member of the Coquitlam Sparta SC U-18 squad that won the Canadian National Championship. His sudden and violent death sent shockwaves through the local sports community and the Metro Vancouver region.
The charges announced mark a significant step toward justice for Bogere's family and friends, who have waited years for answers. The case highlights the persistent efforts of homicide investigators in solving complex cases, even when years have passed.
