Police in Langley, British Columbia, have laid eight charges in connection with a shooting that left one man dead and another injured. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) confirmed that the Crown approved a second-degree murder charge on Friday.
The incident occurred on August 2, 2025, when officers responded to reports of gunfire at a residence. Two men were found hurt and rushed to the hospital. One victim, 41-year-old Dillan Unger, later died of his wounds. The other man was treated and then released.
Investigators say Unger and the accused, Stephen Johnson, were acquainted. Johnson was already in custody on unrelated charges when new charges were approved. He now faces:
- Second-degree murder in the death of Unger
- Four counts of attempted murder for the injured man
- One count of aggravated assault
- One count of using a firearm during an offence
- One count of reckless discharge of a firearm
IHIT spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Pierotti said investigators spent months gathering evidence. He praised the work of frontline officers and forensic teams. “This was a complex case,” he said. “The team followed all leads to reach the truth.”
Second-degree murder in Canada carries a mandatory life sentence with no parole eligibility for at least 10 years. Attempted murder also brings serious prison time. Aggravated assault and firearms offences have their own penalties—those range from years in prison to additional firearm bans.
Local residents said they woke to loud bangs that night. One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said she saw emergency lights flood the street. “It was terrifying,” she recalled. “I stayed inside the whole night.”
Police have not released a motive. Court documents show both men had no recent criminal ties to each other. Investigators are seeking more details on the relationship between Unger and Johnson.
Johnson appears in court next week. A bail hearing is scheduled, though parole is unlikely given the severity of the charges. Crown counsel will decide whether to seek a publication ban on certain details. IHIT often requests bans to protect witness identities.
IHIT leads major homicide files in B.C. It works with local detachments and the RCMP. The agency says its mandate is to solve murders and serious violent crimes. IHIT’s involvement signals the case’s seriousness.
In the wake of Unger’s death, community leaders have called for more support for violence prevention. A local city councillor, Maria Chen, said the shooting has shaken the neighbourhood. “We need more outreach,” she said. “We must stop this before it starts.”
Police urge anyone with information to contact IHIT. Tips can be made anonymously. Callers can reach IHIT at 1-877-551-4448 or via Crime Stoppers. Every detail helps build a stronger case in court.
This latest development brings closure to only one part of the story. The injured man’s recovery spans months of therapy. Friends of Unger have set up a memorial fund in his name. They aim to support victims of gun violence.
As the legal process unfolds, authorities stress that charges are allegations only. Johnson is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The next steps will include disclosure of evidence, witness testimony, and expert reports.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about firearm access and public safety. British Columbia has strict gun laws, but incidents still occur. Police continue to enforce regulations and pursue offenders to keep communities safe.
