THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) on Thursday confirmed that Wednesday’s homicide victim in Surrey is Satwinder Sharma, 56, of Abbotsford.

IHIT said it is identifying in hopes of advancing the investigation. Sharma was at his place of work at the time of the shooting and he had no criminal history.

IHIT said early indications suggest this was a targeted incident and no one else was injured as a result of the shooting. Investigators are working diligently to determine the motive and the circumstances surrounding the homicide.

The VOICE reported on Wednesday that community sources identified the victim as Abbotsford businessman Satwinder Sharma. He was a prominent businessman who was a labour contractor and a property developer. He had received calls from extortionists some years ago, but this case may not be connected to extortion, a close friend of his told this newspaper.

On June 11 at approximately 3:45 p.m., RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit (SPOSU) frontline officers responded to reports of a shooting at a business near 160 Street and 84 Avenue.

Responding officers located a male suffering from life-threatening injuries. Despite life-saving measures, the man died at the scene. IHIT has taken conduct of this investigation and continues to work in partnership with the SPOSU and Surrey Police Service (SPS).

IHIT is seeking dashcam footage from anyone who was in the area of 160 Street and 84 Avenue between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

“There is high foot-traffic in this area and we are fortunate that no one else was hurt,” said IHIT Sgt. Freda Fong. “IHIT continues to work closely with Mr. Sharma’s family and our thoughts are with them during this very difficult time.”

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.