VANCOUVER Police are investigating the murder of a 72-year-old man in East Vancouver. Alex Gortmaker was stabbed to death on Tuesday, December 15.

“Investigators believe there is no relationship between the victim and suspect,” said Constable Tania Visintin on Wednesday. “This is an unfortunate case where the victim and suspect had an altercation that tragically resulted in Mr. Gortmaker getting stabbed.”

The victim was killed at the Biltmore Hotel near Kingsway and East 12th Avenue. Police responded at around 2:40 p.m. after receiving reports about a serious assault. Gortmaker was found suffering from stab wounds. Attempts were made by officers and paramedics to revive him but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Police made excellent progress in their investigation yesterday and were able to identify and arrest a suspect,” said Visintin.

A 27-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday evening and is in custody. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call VPD Homicide detectives at 604-717-2500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

This is Vancouver’s 19th homicide of 2020.