THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has identified Tuesday’s homicide victim in Surrey as David Chavez-Jara, 30, of Surrey in hopes of advancing their investigation.

He was well known to police and was recently convicted on ‘possession for the purpose of trafficking’ under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

On Tuesday, August 9 at 2:18 p.m., Surrey RCMP received multiple reports of a shooting in the 14800-block of 108 Avenue. Officers located two men associated to a taxi suffering from gunshot wounds.

The passenger died on scene from injuries, while the taxi driver was transported to hospital with serious injuries.

IHIT has taken conduct of the investigation and is working closely in partnership with Surrey RCMP, BC Coroners Service and the RCMP Integrated Forensic Identification Section.

“Investigators believe Mr. Chavez-Jara was the target of this senseless act,” said IHIT Sgt. Timothy Pierotti. “IHIT is committed to working with our law enforcement partners as well as partners in the community to find those responsible and hold them accountable before they can hurt others.”

IHIT is asking that any witnesses or anyone with dash camera video who were in the 14800-block of 108 Avenue between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. or who has any information regarding the shooting, to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.