PAUL Bennett, 47, of Surrey, was the unintended victim of the June 23 shooting in the 18200-block of 67A Avenue in Surrey, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team announced on Thursday.
“Paul Bennett was an innocent victim of homicide and his death has shocked the community. This is a tragic incident and it has left a family and community devastated,” said Cpl. Frank Jang.
There have been no arrests made and no one has been criminally charged in connection with the homicide.
Bennett worked as a nurse and was a minor hockey coach. He had two sons.
On June 23, at approximately 4 p.m., the Surrey RCMP received numerous calls of a shooting in the area. Officers found a man with gunshot wounds who was taken to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and IHIT was called in.
IHIT continues to work closely with its partners including the Surrey RCMP to gather evidence and advance the investigation. After careful examination of all the information collected so far, investigators believe that Bennett was the unintended victim of a targeted shooting. Investigators are pursuing various avenues of investigation and working to determine the motive behind the shooting.
Shortly after the shooting, video surveillance captured a newer model four-door Honda Civic leaving the area. Investigators would like to speak with anyone that has information about this vehicle.
A surveillance video obtained by some TV stations suggests that the hit on Bennett was professionally executed as a silver vehicle sped up to his house and a person in dark clothes jumped out, headed to Bennett’s place and fired several shots rapidly before darting back to his vehicle that then took off.
“This is an active and ongoing investigation and we need everyone with information to come forward and speak with IHIT,” said Jang.
Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551- IHIT (4448), or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
The family of Mr. Bennett is appealing for the public’s help for information that could help solve his murder.
Letter from the family of Paul Bennett
We remember Paul’s life as a husband, father, brother and son as being as normal as any of our lives. He wore his heart on his sleeve and was a presence in the room. He had an easy ability to converse with anyone on any topic. He was a people person and relished to be around others. He volunteered his time freely whether it be to coach the boys in sports or to pick up an unfilled call shift at the hospital. He loved being a nurse, especially working in the operating room. He had found his element. In the midst of chaos there was always opportunity to save a life or improve it. He was a compassionate and caring individual who could be an empathetic listener. He made you feel valued and appreciated. He loved his boys and encouraged them in their sports and supported their dreams. He was Paul, one of those exceptional people not everyone is lucky to meet in their lifetime.
Paul did not have a criminal record and was not involved in criminal activity. We never thought he would die in such a senseless and violent way. There was a complete disregard to public safety as he was murdered in a quiet residential area. We are grieving and traumatized by his loss and praying to understand why this has happened to our family.
At this time, we would like to request anyone who may have information about Paul’s death to please contact the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team. We would be eternally grateful if you are able to provide the police with any information. Please bear in mind every piece of information is important.
Paul spent his life helping others, now please help Paul and our family find the closure we need to move forward.
Thank you,
The family of Paul Bennett