THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) on Saturday identified 31-year-old Christopher Irwin as Burnaby’s homicide victim to further their investigation and identify additional witnesses.
IHIT said it believed the homicide was targeted and that there are no further known risks to the public at this time.
Coquitlam RCMP had said last March that Irwin was known to police (see below).
On July 14 at 9:46 a.m., Burnaby RCMP responded to a vacant lot in the area of Norland Avenue and Laurel Street after a member of the public located a deceased adult male.
IHIT has taken conduct of the investigation and is working closely in partnership with Burnaby RCMP, the New Westminster Police Department (NWPD), BC Coroners Service and the RCMP Integrated Forensic Identification Section (IFIS).
At approximately 4:30 a.m. on July 14, New Westminster Police responded to a vehicle fire in the 400-block of Fader Street. IHIT believes this vehicle to be linked to the homicide investigation and has taken conduct of the scene.
“We are releasing Mr. Irwin’s name in hopes that witnesses will come forward who can assist us in building a timeline of Mr. Irwin’s whereabouts in the time leading to his death,” said IHIT Sgt. Timothy Pierotti of IHIT.
“Investigators continue to work tirelessly to collect evidence and speak with witnesses. We urge any associates of Mr. Irwin to please come forward.”
IHIT is asking any witness or anyone traveling in the 3300-block of Norland Avenue, Burnaby, between 3:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., or the area of Fader Street and Braid Street between 3:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., with dash cameras, or who has any information regarding the homicide of Irwin, to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
ON March 4, Coquitlam RCMP requested the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects in two separate shootings — December 4, 2021, and March 25 at Chickadee Place in Coquitlam — both of which were connected to Irwin.
On December 4, 2021, at approximately 4:41 p.m., the Coquitlam RCMP responded to a shots fired call in the 1600-block of Chickadee Place, Coquitlam. A male victim was located and had suffered a gunshot wound. The victim’s nine-year-old son, who was in the back seat of the vehicle at the time of the shooting escaped completely unharmed.
Investigators said they had have determined that the victim was not the intended target of the shooter, had no known gang ties or criminal involvement, and was the victim of mistaken identity. The victim was transported to hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries and later released.
On March 25, at approximately 3:37 p.m., the Coquitlam RCMP responded a second time to a confirmed shooting in the 1600-block of Chickadee Place. Officers located Irwin, who was known to police, and was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
A short time later, a Toyota Rav 4 was reported on fire in the 2200-block of Hope Street in Port Moody and was believed to be connected to the shooting. An innocent bystander was seriously injured from the car fire and subsequent explosion.
“Investigators believe that due to the proximity of the most recent shooting and other investigative evidence, that both shootings are connected and Irwin was the intended target,” police said at the time.
“Given the most recent attempt made on the life of Chris Irwin, resulting in injuries to unrelated members of the public, police want to warn the public that anyone with Irwin or in proximity to Irwin may be putting themselves at risk, including his own family and friends,” said Constable Deanna Law, Media Relations Officer for the Coquitlam RCMP. “Known gang members often travel between jurisdictions and it is important for the public to be aware so that appropriate measures can be taken to ensure their safety.”
Coquitlam RCMP released a photo of Irwin.
