Bradley McPherson was a protector, says his family, someone who always stood up for others.
So when he was at a Christmas Eve party in 2011 and witnessed someone being disrespectful, he stepped in.
"And for that his life was taken," said his tearful mom Susan Simning at a Monday press conference announcing an arrest in her son's murder.
Surrey's Russell Bidesi, 22, was charged with second-degree murder on Saturday (April 6) in connection with McPherson's death.
McPherson was at a house party near 131 Street and 67A Avenue on the night he was killed. Police don't believe McPherson and Bidesi knew one another and that McPherson was an innocent victim who was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. He had no criminal record.
"He was my protector," said McPherson's sister Mariah, wiping away tears. "He was always there for me when in needed someone else to run to."
Older sister Jennie said Bradley was a best friend and a great uncle to her children.
Bidesi is already in custody having been charged in February 2012 for a separate Surrey murder. Bidesi is among three men charged with second-degree murder in the Feb. 26, 2012 shooting of 31-year-old Kacey Rogers. Rogers was attacked in his home in the 14000 block of Grosvenor Road in what police called "a planned home invasion turned deadly."
Other than the fact Bidesi is a suspect in both, police say the Rogers and McPherson murders are not linked.
Bidesi was scheduled to make his first appearance on the McPherson charge Monday afternoon in Surrey Provincial Court.