THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) on Tuesday identified the victim of the targeted shooting at Vancouver’s University Golf Club as Vishal Walia, 38, in hopes of furthering their investigation.

Investigators believe this to have been a targeted shooting in relation to the Lower Mainland Gang Conflict.

Police sources confirmed to The VOICE that he had connections to the United Nations gang.

On October 17 at 9:49 a.m., University RCMP received reports of a shooting at the University Golf Club, located in the 5100-block of University Boulevard on the University Endowment Lands.

Officers located a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts by the officers, the victim succumbed to his injuries.

IHIT took conduct of the investigation and continues to work closely in partnership with the University Detachment, BC Coroners Service and the RCMP Forensic Identification Section.

At 10:02 a.m., a vehicle fire was reported in the laneway located in the 4000-block of West 20 Avenue in Vancouver. IHIT is working with the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) to determine if the two incidences are connected.

“IHIT is urging anyone who had contact with Mr. Walia in the days leading to his death, to please contact police, as we continue to build a timeline of events,” said IHIT Sgt. Timothy Pierotti. “We are still appealing to anyone with dash cam video to secure the footage and to contact us immediately.”

IHIT is asking that any witnesses or anyone with dash camera video who attended the area of the University Golf Course between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. or who was in the 4000-block of West 20 Avenue or who has any information regarding the shooting, to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

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