VANCOUVER Police are investigating the murder of 19-year-old Amar Najat Jalal on Friday night in East Vancouver.

Police were called to East 5th Avenue and Cassiar Street for reports from witnesses of shots fired just after 8 p.m. Vancouver resident Jalal was found in the middle of the intersection suffering from gunshot wounds. Attempts to revive him from Vancouver Fire Rescue Services and paramedics were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead on scene.

“A grey pick up truck was found fully engulfed in flames in the north lane of East 5th Avenue, just around the corner from where the victim’s body was found,” said Constable Tania Visintin on Saturday. “Preliminary evidence indicates this vehicle could be connected to the shooting.”

Investigators believe this was a targeted incident and there are no public safety concerns.

Anyone with information or anyone who has dash cam footage in the area of East 5th Avenue and Cassiar Street between 7 and 9 p.m. on December 11 is asked to call VPD Homicide detectives at 604-717-2500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

This is Vancouver’s 18th homicide of 2020.