SURREY RCMP announced on Wednesday morning that a 17-year-old youth from Surrey is deceased following a stabbing on a bus on Tuesday evening.

(The victim’s family identified him as Ethan Bespflug to the media.)

On April 11 at approximately 9:28 p.m., Surrey RCMP responded to a report of an assault with a weapon on a bus in the 9900-block of King George Boulevard. A 17-year-old youth suffering from life-threating injuries was transported to hospital and has succumbed to his injuries.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) will be working in partnership with Surrey RCMP. Initial information suggests that this was a targeted and isolated incident.

Surrey RCMP said that there are no indications that this incident is in any way connected to a stabbing on a bus on April 1 in Surrey.

IHIT said that at this time, investigators believe this to be an isolated incident with no connection to the Lower Mainland Gang Conflict.

“We are still in the early stages of the investigation,” said IHIT Sgt. Timothy Pierotti. “Investigators are asking any witnesses who have yet to speak with police, to contact IHIT immediately.”

IHIT is asking that any witnesses or anyone with dash camera video who attended the area of the 9900-block of King George between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. or anyone who has any information regarding the incident to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.