Case File Overview
19-year-old Devon Allaire-Bell spent his early evening playing soccer and drinking a couple of beers with his best friend Jack Nielsen on Easter Sunday in April 2011.
While kicking the ball around at Frank Hurt Secondary School in Surrey, British Columbia, the pair was approached by two young men and a verbal altercation broke out over the soccer ball.
At first, Devon and Jack refused to give up the ball. Soon, however, three more men emerged from the bushes. Suddenly, the group began attacking Devon and Jack.
Jack attempted to protect Devon while the gang continuously kicked and stabbed the pair, but both Devon and Jack were stabbed multiple times, including Devon in the heart and Jack in the lungs.
Even though Jack had sustained life-threatening injuries, he managed to get back to his belongings and called 911.
Crime scene
After calling for help, Jack stumbled to Devon, cradled his best friend, and watched helplessly as he died in his arms.
Devon’s murder remains unsolved.
Case File Theories
There is only one theory in this case. Five young Indo-Canadian men, believed to be in their late teens or early twenties, brutally murdered Devon and seriously injured his friend Jack on April 24th, 2011.
This case remains unsolved even though there is a copious amount of evidence.
For instance, there is video of the five suspects approaching and leaving the scene of the crime.
The video footage shows the five suspects “cutting through an Esso gas station on their way to the school, passing through a McDonalds restaurant on 72nd just west of King George Boulevard. Police noted at the time that one suspect had a unique marine-style haircut, with the sides and back shaved and a small amount of hair on top.” Keep in mind, though, years have passed since Devon’s murder and no doubt the suspects look quite different today.
There are also pretty good stills of the suspects taken from the video, as seen below. If I knew any of these individuals, I would recognize them from this close-up of an image. Someone must know them and be aware that they usually hung out together in that neighbourhood.
Suspects in Devon’s murder
If anyone does recognize one of the suspects, they should set aside whatever loyalties they might have and contact the authorities. Devon and Jack’s loved ones deserve answers.
I also would be astonished if not a single one of the suspects had confided in a friend or family member about what took place. What are the odds of five people keeping this big of a secret for all of these years? Usually even one person has a tough time keeping a secret of this magnitude. All it might take to close this case is someone who knows something to come forward.
Devon Allaire-Bell
Cpl. Frank Jang told the media that “the police have spoken to many people in the investigation. However, officers still haven’t identified all of the suspects.” I think the police have a good idea of the identity of at least some of the attackers, but still need more details before they are willing to go ahead with charges.
Do you know who killed Devon?
Devon’s parents, Wayne Bell and Cynthia Allaire-Bell, worked with members of the community to change the once unnamed park that served as the route for Devon’s killers into what is now known as Frank Hurt Park. To honour Devon, the park was transformed from an overgrown nightmare “strewn with needles, condoms, blankets and discarded clothing” into a welcoming outdoor space offering numerous amenities, including wooded walking paths, a field and playground, and even a parkour course.
Frank Hurt Park
Devon’s loved ones and the Surrey community continue to seek justice for Devon. Devon’s mom sent a message to the public through the media, stating “I plead with you for help. Help to find justice for Devon and that this never happens to another.”
Wayne Bell and Cynthia Allaire-Bell
If you have any information about Devon’s murder, please call the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team at 1-877-551-4448 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 to remain anonymous.
Related reading
“Seven year anniversary of the homicide of Devon Allaire-Bell” – Integrated Homicide Investigation Team press release
“Family of Devon Allaire-Bell, slain seven years ago in Surrey at 19, still searching for justice” – Vancouver Sun article
“Seven years and still no answers in Surrey killing” – Cloverdale Reporter article
“Surrey mom haunted by thought son was killed over soccer ball” – Surrey-Now Leader article
“Family makes emotional plea to solve son’s murder” – CTV News article
“Mother of Surrey teen stabbed and killed makes tearful plea 7 years after his death” – Global News article
“7 years after son’s death, mother of Surrey homicide victim makes tearful appeal for witnesses” – CBC News article
“New life breathed into park with a dark history” – Vancouver Sun article, courtesy of Newspapers.com
“New video of suspects in Allaire-Bell murder” – APTN News article
Interested in unsolved mysteries? Check out the murder of Georgia Crews and the disappearance of Amanda Jones.
its been what seven years since his murder. those people who stabbed him will have guilt, and one of them will crack and come through with the truth on why they killed devon. what they did was wrong and the truth will come out one day from one of those men who stabbed him.
Hi Andrea. Thanks for reading and for taking the time to comment. I sure hope you’re right. Devon’s loved ones deserve answers.
Is there anyway to get a close up of the hoodie that the one male is wearing? It is very unique, possibly name brand, I wonder if the police tried to look into possibly where it was purchased, near by mall? Also, all five are Indo-Canadian I wonder if they have perhaps left the country. They seem young perhaps teens or early 20’s in the photo, I wonder if the near by high schools were questioned about five or more clique type group of Indo-Canadians, this most likely would not of been the first type of trouble that they would of been in, considering they were armed. Low level gang members or perhaps retaliation for some type of high school rivalry. I am sure they didn’t just meet for the first time and randomly decide to attack a couple of kids at a school, this was planned to some degree, to do a random murder? robbery? Since they had knives but definitely crime was the plan. They might of taken the bus but likely did not travel far. I feel like if they can identify one they should be able to figure them all out they had to of been friends. Just my thoughts. Just heartbreaking for his parents, no parents should loose a child, one can only hope that these murderers parents are not hiding their secrets! I am sure if the police know one of them for sure they are working on it, perhaps an undercover is his best friend just waiting for a confession. RIP Devon.
Hi Allison. Thanks for reading and for all your great insights! I sure hope the police looked carefully into the hoodie, as I agree that is really unique. No doubt anyone who knew that person would recognize the image. I agree that it’s likely the group of young adults hung out together often. I think there is no conceivable way that people out there do not know the identities of the people in this “gang.” In my opinion, people in the community are keeping quiet on purpose, either out of fear or loyalty. Either way, it must be devastating for Devon’s family. I’d be shocked if every one of the people involved have managed to keep quiet. I bet they have told friends and family members about what happened. All it takes is for one person to have a conscious and come forward. Thanks again!
Just stumbled upon this site after seeing something on Twitter. 🙂 Anywho, after reading this story i am surprised to see that it hasn’t been solved especially with what has been mentioned above, someone out there knows something and hopefully one day one of these boys that were involved step up and do what’s right.
Hi Kayla. Thanks for reading and for taking the time to comment. I totally agree that this case is solvable, and hopefully someone comes forward with information one day soon that can bring Devon’s loved ones some closure. Thanks again!