Funeral for killed teen

Photo: The Canadian Press

Wilfred Wong speaks about his brother Alfred Wong, 15, seen on a television, who was an innocent victim of an alleged gang shooting, during a Vancouver Police news conference in Vancouver, B.C., on Monday January 22. Alfred Wong's funeral will be held Saturday.

UPDATE: 1:15 p.m.

A 15-year-old Vancouver boy who was killed by a stray bullet has been remembered at his funeral as a bright young man with big ambitions.

Alfred Wong's father told the boy's memorial service that he wishes the bullet had struck him instead of his son, and he apologized to Alfred for not being able to protect him.

Samson Wong also said Alfred will always be a part of their family and in their hearts.

Alfred Wong was in a vehicle heading home to Coquitlam with his parents on Jan. 13 when he was struck by a bullet. He died in hospital two days later.

The teenager’s basketball coach, taekwondo coach and pastor all spoke at the memorial service, which was attended by several hundred people on Saturday.

ORIGINAL: 6:45 a.m.

A funeral will be held today for a 15-year-old boy who was killed by a stray bullet amid what Vancouver police say was a gang shooting.

Alfred Wong was in a vehicle heading home to Coquitlam with his parents on Jan. 13 when he was struck by a bullet and died in hospital two days later.

Mourners will gather at Coquitlam Alliance Church to say goodbye to a teenager who has been described by his pastor as a bright student who loved video games and had plans to become an electrical engineer.

The teen's older brother, Wilfred Wong, said on Monday that his family is still in shock over the death and it has left a void in their hearts.

Police have said the target of the attack was 23-year-old Kevin Whiteside, who was known to police and also died in hospital.

Chief Const. Adam Palmer called Wong's death a senseless murder, saying it has had an impact all across Metro Vancouver, including in his police department.