THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) on Wednesday identified 18-year-old Mehakpreet Sethi of Surrey as the victim of Tuesday’s fatal stabbing outside Tamanawis Secondary School in the 12600-block of 66 Avenue in an effort to advance their investigation.
A 17-year-old man was arrested after the stabbing.
IHIT said that at this time, it is believed that the suspect and the victim were known to each other and that this was an isolated incident and is not believed to be associated to the Lower Mainland Gang Conflict.
On November 22 at approximately 12:08 p.m., Surrey RCMP responded to a report of a stabbing outside of Tamanawis Secondary School. Officers arrived within minutes and located the victim suffering life-threatening injuries.
Despite the best efforts of responding officers, the victim succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. As a result of the quick action of the police, a 17-year-old who was identified as a suspect by witnesses, was located and taken into custody.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) took conduct of the investigation and continue to work closely in partnership with the Surrey RCMP, the RCMP Forensic Identification Service and the BC Coroners Service.
Tamanawis Secondary School’s Acting Principal Ian McGennis in a letter to parents and guardians of the students on Tuesday said the incident occurred during lunch and emergency personnel attended immediately.
He said: “The incident involved an altercation that resulted in one individual sustaining serious injury. This individual is not a member of our school community.”
He added: “Shortly, after the incident occurred, our school was placed in a hold and secure, which involves everyone remaining inside the school as exterior doors are secured.”
IHIT Sgt. Timothy Pierotti said on Wednesday: “We know there were many students in the area around the time this tragedy took place. If you or one of your loved ones has information that could help shed light on why this young man was killed, please contact IHIT immediately.”
IHIT is asking that any witnesses or anyone with any information regarding the homicide, to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
