IHIT photo
WEST VANCOUVER, B.C. — The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has taken over the case of a 43-year-old man who was killed following an altercation at a residence in the Squamish Nation village of X̱wemelch’stn, with a 35-year-old relative now in custody.
On June 24, shortly after midnight, West Vancouver Police Department (WVPD) officers responded to reports of an altercation at a home in the community. Upon arrival, they located a 43-year-old man who was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 35-year-old man was later arrested in Vancouver in connection with the incident. IHIT has since deployed and taken over the investigation, working alongside WVPD, the Integrated Forensic Identification Services (IFIS), and the BC Coroners Service.
While the investigation remains in its early stages, IHIT investigators have determined that the incident stemmed from a dispute between the victim and the suspect, who are related. Police emphasized that there are no outstanding suspects and that there is no ongoing risk to the public.
“Due to the swift response by the WVPD frontline officers, the scene was quickly made safe and secured for further investigation,” said Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT. “Our thoughts remain with the victim’s loved ones and the community as this investigation progresses.”
Authorities haven’t released the names of either the victim or the suspect. The BC Coroners Service is also conducting its own parallel investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
Anyone with further information regarding this case is asked to contact IHIT at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
The investigation is ongoing.
