THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is investigating the fatal shooting of an 85-year-old senior, who investigators believe was an innocent victim struck by a stray bullet while inside his Burnaby home.
On Sunday, August 30, just after 1:30 a.m., Burnaby RCMP frontline officers responded to a report of shots fired near 18 Avenue and Humphries Avenue. The suspect vehicle fled the area prior to police arrival. Initial investigation did not locate any injured victims.
Several hours later, at approximately 4 p.m., Burnaby RCMP received a request to check the well-being of an individual in an apartment complex in the 7400-block of Kingsway, approximately one block from the location of the earlier shots fired call. Police entered the apartment and located an 85-year-old man who had suffered a gunshot wound and was subsequently pronounced deceased.
Preliminary findings led investigators to believe the deceased was an innocent victim who was struck by a stray bullet from the earlier shots fired incident.
IHIT deployed to Burnaby and continues to work in close partnership with Burnaby RCMP, the Integrated Forensic Identification Services (IFIS), and the BC Coroners Service to advance the investigation.
IHIT is identifying the victim as Chang Yong Cho in an effort to advance the investigation.
“This is a heartbreaking and tragic loss of life. Mr. Cho was simply in his home when his life was suddenly taken, leaving behind a grieving family and loved ones,” says Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT.
“Our investigators have identified a group of youths believed to be involved or have knowledge of the shooting, and we have been actively working to locate them to establish the roles of everyone involved. We are urging these youths to come forward and speak with investigators. We are also appealing directly to their parents: if you know your child has information about this shooting, please encourage them to do the right thing and come forward. The Cho family deserves answers.”
IHIT is seeking witnesses and anyone who may have dashcam or CCTV footage from the area of 18 Avenue and Humphries Avenue between 12:30 a.m. and 2 a.m. on August 30.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
