YOSEF Jomo Gopaul on Friday pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter and one count of robbery in a joint decision was made by the court and the accused, in the death of Surrey hockey mom Julie Paskall on the night of December 29, 2013. The horrific attack caused a major uproar.
Paskall was attacked outside the Newton Arena in Surrey. She was transported to hospital; however, she was pronounced dead two days later.
Police said the motive for this attack was consistent with the early investigative theories of robbery and the details of the offence were similar to an earlier attack on a female at a Surrey bus stop on December 16, 2013.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team took over the case and with support from Surrey RCMP detachment and a variety of specialized resources arrested a suspect on May 23, 2014.
Supt. Dwayne McDonald, Officer-in-Charge of IHIT, said: “Much like the community of Surrey, IHIT investigators were galvanized by this tragic and senseless act. IHIT led an extensive and integrated … policing response which has resulted in today’s guilty plea. The impact these crimes have on the family, police and communities as a whole are evident and very powerful. This impact continues to be the driving force behind police in all jurisdictions joining together to bring those responsible to justice.”
Surrey RCMP Chief Superintendent Bill Fordy said: “First, and most importantly, I would like to acknowledge the families that are left to deal with the devastation created by Yosef Gopaul’s crimes. The investigations and the resulting court processes can be very difficult for a family to go through. I hope the submissions and guilty plea assist them in their journey towards healing.
I would like to thank the citizens of Surrey, and in particular the community of Newton for your patience and trust in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. We remain committed to continuing the work and dialogue Julie’s death generated.”