THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) on Monday identified the victim in the Hazelnut Meadows Park homicide in Surrey as 18-year-old Maanav Kinkar, of Burnaby to advance their investigation and identify witnesses, and is seeking public assistance.

Kinkar had been reported missing by his parents around the same time as his boy was found. This is believed to be a targeted incident but not connected to the ongoing Lower Mainland Gang Conflict.

On May 26 at around 8:43 p.m., Surrey RCMP responded to the Hazelnut Meadows Park near 140 Street between 68 Avenue and 70 Avenue and found a deceased man. BC Emergency Health Services (BC EHS) were already on scene. Early indications were that the man’s death was as a result of criminality and IHIT was called in to investigate.

IHIT is working in partnership with the Surrey RCMP, the Integrated Forensic Identification Section (IFIS), and the BC Coroners Service. A timeline of Kinkar’s activities is being constructed. His movements and activities throughout the day are being determined. Homicide detectives have determined that on the evening of May 26, Kinkar arrived at Surrey Central via Skytrain and may have got onto a bus. IHIT is looking to speak to anyone who may have seen him that evening (see photo).

IHIT is also seeking dashcam footage, CCTV, or witnesses from the area around Hazelnut Meadows Park around 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on May 26.

“This is a quiet area with several residences surrounding the park along 140 Street, 68 Avenue, and 142 Street,” said IHIT Sgt. David Lee. “These homes may have the video and witnesses we seek.”

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