THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) on Tuesday announced that 32-year-old Brian Kiraly-Miller of the Lower Mainland area has been arrested and charged in the homicide of 46-year-old Baljinder “Binder” Singh Garcha of Surrey.
On January 13, at approximately 11:50 a.m., Surrey Police Service (SPS) officers responded to reports of a man lying near the street in the 3500-block of 176 Street. Police located a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Surrey Fire Services and BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) attended, and the man was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene.
Earlier that day at 11:17 a.m., SPS responded to a report of a vehicle fire near the 18900-block of 40 Avenue which investigators believed was linked to the homicide.
IHIT deployed to Surrey and continued to work in close partnership with SPS to advance the investigation
Over the past months, IHIT investigators continuously followed the evidence trail embarking on a number of investigative avenues to further their investigation into the murder of Garcha.
As a result, IHIT investigators identified Kiraly-Miller as a suspect.
On May 28, Kiraly-Miller was located and arrested without incident in Kamloops. He was subsequently charged with one count of first-degree murder, and his next court appearance is on June 5.
“First-degree murder is the most serious offence, and the laying of this charge reflects our ongoing commitment to these complex homicide investigations,” says Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT.
“This case has had a huge impact on Mr. Garcha’s family, friends and the broader community. While details about the motive and circumstances cannot be shared due to the ongoing court proceedings, investigators can confirm this was a targeted shooting.”
As this matter is now before the courts, no further information will be released.
Businessman Garcha was also a wedding videographer and photographer, and owner of Studio-12. “The shooting occurred near the gate of his farm. His residence, however, is located in the city,” well-known Punjabi journalist Gurpreet Singh Sahota said at the time.
Sahota wrote that he “was known as a professional, warm, friendly and approachable person.” He added: “Binder Garcha immigrated to Canada from Punjab and, with years of hard work, became the co-owner of [a banquet hall] and owned Studio-12 Limousine. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, one son, and his parents.”
