THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has arrested a 20-year-old man in relation to the stabbing death of Ethan Bespflug, 17.

On April 11 at 9:23 p.m., Surrey RCMP responded to a report of a young man suffering from life-threatening injuries resulting from a stabbing in the 9900-block of King George Boulevard. Surrey RCMP officers responded along with BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) and emergency first aid was provided.

The victim, later identified as Ethan Bespflug of Abbotsford, died as a result of his injuries shortly after being transported to hospital. IHIT took conduct of the investigation and has been working closely in partnership with the Surrey RCMP Detachment, Metro Vancouver Transit Police, BC Coroners Service and the RCMP Integrated Forensic Identification Section to advance the investigation.

On April 16, with the assistance of the Integrated Emergency Response Team (IERT), IHIT officers located and arrested Kaiden Mintenko, 20, in relation to the homicide.

On April 17, the British Columbia Prosecution Service (BCPS) laid a charge of second-degree murder against Mintenko, who remains in custody.

“We would like to thank all members of the public who provided information that helped advance this investigation,” said IHTI Sgt. Timothy Pierotti. “Though we are still working to determine the exact nature of the relationship between Mr. Bespflug and Mintenko, we can confirm that this was not a random attack.”

IHIT is asking that any witnesses who have any information and have yet to speak with police regarding the incident, to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

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