Slim but encouraging signs of hope as BC's overdose emergency enters its ninth year

Targeted shootings have declined, overdose death rates are down, but organized crime is as strong as ever, and public understanding of addiction and treatment is low

Tequel Willis was only 14 when he was shot down in a targeted killing in 2020. His murder remains unsolved. His picture is held by his mother, Tiffany Willis (left), and his great-aunt, Evangeline Downey. He is the youngest known victim of BC’s endless gang-related killings.

The rattle of gunfire December 17 that seriously injured – but did not kill -- t…