THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) on Thursday said it has determined that the shooting deaths of four victims in a Richmond residence in the 4500-block of Garden City Road on January 24 is an isolated incident.

IHIT said that the identity of the victims has now been confirmed but is being withheld pending next of kin notification. They were from the same household and have no associations to gangs or criminal activities.

On January 27 a search warrant was executed allowing homicide investigators to further examine the scene with the assistance of the BC Coroners Service and the Integrated Forensic Identification Section (IFIS). Supported by the Richmond RCMP, IHIT processed the scene and gathered additional evidence.

Based on evidence collected and other information available at scene, homicide investigators have determined that all persons involved in and responsible for the homicide have been accounted for.  IHIT is not looking for any additional suspects.

While it is still early in the investigation, this does not appear to be an incident of partner violence. Homicide investigators have confirmed that one of the victims in the household had a firearms licence and had access to a firearm.

“This is a tragic loss of life,” said IHIT Sgt. David Lee. “But the community is safe as we have confirmed this is an isolated incident and there are no suspects at large.”

On Tuesday evening, Richmond RCMP responded to the 4500-block of Garden City Road following a complaint. RCMP frontline responders found four deceased people inside the residence who where later confirmed to be victims of a shooting. IHIT was called in to investigate. It is believed that the shooting occurred the day before — on January 24 — around 7 p.m.

Homicide investigators continue to interview witnesses.  A timeline of events is being constructed and motive remains to be determined.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.