A 16-year-old Surrey boy has been charged with first-degree murder and accessory after the fact to murder in connection with the brutal killing of Branson Sanders.

His name cannot be published as the Youth Criminal Justice Act shields his identity. His bail hearing was expected to be heard Wednesday, after the Now's press time.

Homicide investigators believe Sanders, 20, was killed at a residence in the 18000-block of 55th Avenue in Cloverdale. His badly burned body was found in a forested area of Robert Burnaby Park on Dec. 2nd, 2011.

Police charged Brandon Nandan, also from Surrey, and Shakib Shakib with second-degree murder three months after Sanders' remains were found. Both are 20.

The charge against each was recently raised to first-degree murder, with an additional charge of committing an indignity to a human body.

Shakib remains in custody but Nandan is out on bail.

"Homicide investigations are very dynamic in nature and evidence can be gathered for a long period of time after the crime," said Sgt. Jennifer Pound, spokeswoman for the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team. "A homicide investigation does not necessarily end because somebody is in custody. IHIT is dedicated to ensuring that all of the individuals involved are brought to justice."

Asked if IHIT is anticipating more arrests, Pound replied "not at this time."

tzytaruk@thenownewspaper.com