Suspect and victim were known to each other

THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) and the Burnaby RCMP announced on Monday they had made one arrest in relation to Sunday’s fatal stabbing incident in Burnaby.

On December 19 at around 11:40 a.m., Burnaby RCMP responded to the Metrotown Mall at 4800 Kingsway for multiple calls of assistance. Frontline officers arrived and found one victim with stab wounds who was transported to hospital by paramedics. Despite lifesaving measures, the victim succumbed to their injuries. 

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) was called in to investigate and is working in partnership with the Burnaby RCMP, the Integrated Forensic Identification Section (IFIS), the Integrated Police Dog Service (IPDS), and the BC Coroner Service 

Around the time of the homicide, there were several reports of other serious offences occurring in the area. However, there were no injuries as a result of these incidents. The Burnaby RCMP and IHIT continue to investigate these incidents and any connections to the stabbing. 

After a brief search in Metrotown area, one person was found and promptly taken into custody by the Burnaby RCMP. Homicide investigators are able to confirm that the suspect and victim were known to each other. This was not a random incident and with his arrest, there are no further risks to the public.

Police said identification of the victim and suspect are not being released at this time. More information will be released once it is verified and appropriate to do so.

“We are piecing together a timeline and confirming the information available to us,” said IHIT Sgt. David Lee. “The public can be assured that this is an isolated incident and it is safe to go about their activities in Burnaby.”

Homicide investigators are requesting the assistance of the public. If you were in the Metrotown area between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday, December 19, and saw anything suspicious, you are requested to contact IHIT.

The suspect was reported to have been running around the Metrotown area and is described as a male in his 30’s.  Anyone with information, dash cam video, or surveillance video is asked to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.