OCTOBER 26 UPDATE:

Sources tell The VOICE that Lionel Lawrence was associated to a local drug dealer operation that is associated with the Brothers Keepers gang. 

THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) on Monday identified the victim of a stabbing on Friday, October 22 in New Westminster and is seeking information from the public.

On October 22, at approximately 9:20 p.m., New Westminster Police Department responded to an altercation on Bole Street between 10th Street and Maple Street in New Westminster. One male victim was found with injuries from a stabbing and was transported to Royal Columbian Hospital.

Life saving interventions were administered, however, the victim did not survive. The victim has been identified as 23-year-old Lionel Lawrence from New Westminster. Lawrence is known to police and is linked to the ongoing Lower Mainland gang conflict.

IHIT is continuing to investigate with the assistance of NWPD, the NWPD Forensic Identification Section, and the BC Coroners Service. Investigators are still completing witness interviews and canvassing is continuing. Any information related to the suspects and suspect vehicle is crucial to advancing this investigation, police said.

At this time, homicide investigators believe that there are two suspects involved. Both suspects left the scene in a dark coloured vehicle travelling south on 10th Street. IHIT believes that there may be a key individual that was present at the scene who may hold valuable information.

“We know there were other witnesses in the area,” said IHIT Sgt. David Lee. “Their information is important and we encourage them to come forward and do the right thing.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448), or email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.