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UPDATE: Man gunned down in broad daylight had conviction linked to gangland murder in Richmond

The man shot to death in broad daylight in a quiet residential street was once convicted in connection to a 2003 gangland murder in Richmond.
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The man shot to death in broad daylight in a quiet residential street was once convicted in connection to a 2003 gangland murder in Richmond.

Justine Nethaniel Po, 36, was found partially slumped against a wall Wednesday afternoon after being gunned down on Ferndale Road, near the intersection of Westminster Highway and Garden City Road.

Back in 2005, Po was charged with conspiracy to commit murder after being accused of playing a part in the killing of Lotus gang boss Raymond Man Yuen Chan.

Chans badly beaten body was found in an alley behind Richmond Provincial Court in 2003.

Po's co-accused, Mark James Thrower, was shot to death at his apartment in February 2005 - the same day he was to go to trial for killing the high-profile gangster in May 2003.

Po pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact in the Chan murder and was sentenced to nine months in jail.

Po also had a record for uttering threats and driving while prohibited before he was shot at the intersection of Katsura Street and Ferndale Road outside a Richmond apartment complex around 1:10 p.m. Wednesday.

Police believe that after the shooting, a male suspect entered a vehicle and fled the area, Sgt. Jennifer Pound of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said Thursday.

But she said investigators can't yet confirm whether Po's murder has any-thing to do with "gang or organized crime connections."

"The area where this homicide occurred is a highly populated residential area. To have a shooting occur in broad daylight in the midst of innocent bystanders is unacceptable. IHIT is asking the public to assist investigators in keeping communities safe by coming forward with any information you may have about this brazen and selfish act," Pound said.

Local residents and landscapers working nearby reported hearing up to three shots fired around 1 p.m. on Wednesday. Police raced to the scene, but Po was pronounced dead at the scene.

However, police are asking witnesses to come forward to help make the streets safer following the brazen shooting death.

Anyone with info is asked to phone the IHIT tip line at 1-877-551-IHIT or anonymously to CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

-With files from The Province