THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) on Thursday announced that second-degree murder charges have been laid against two male youths with respect to the death of Paul Prestbakmo.
On August 16, at about 3:23 a.m., 45-year-old Paul Prestbakmo was fatally stabbed in the 1800-block of 152nd Street in Surrey. IHIT took conduct of the investigation and quickly advanced the case with support from its many partners.
IHIT and Paul’s family made an appeal to the community for witnesses to come forward and many responded. Witness development was key to this investigation and the information gathered helped shed further light and assisted investigators in piecing together the circumstances surrounding Paul’s death.
On September 19, two youths, aged 15 and 16, were each charged with second-degree murder in connection with Paul’s death. The 15-year-old youth has been in-custody since August 22 for failing to abide by court imposed conditions. The 16-year-old youth has been in-custody since August 21 for the same reasons.
“IHIT investigators worked steadfastly to secure and compile the evidence for charge approval and today’s outcome would not have been possible without their tireless efforts,” said IHIT Sgt. Frank Jang. “We recognize that this is a very difficult time for Paul’s family as they are grieving his death and we hope that we were able to provide them with some answers.”
“A violent incident like this has significant impacts on both the victim’s family and the surrounding community, as their sense of safety is upended,” said Surrey RCMP Cpl. Elenore Sturko. “It is our sincere hope that the quick conclusion to this investigation will bring a measure of comfort to both Mr. Prestbakmo’s family and to the South Surrey community.”
Anyone with information, who have yet to come forward to police, is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.solvecrime.ca
Police said that no further details will be released as this case is now before the court.
