Homicide investigators are looking into what they suspect was a targeted killing that occurred in North Vancouver Friday.
The North Vancouver RCMP received a report of a man found dead in an apartment in the 1500 block of Fern Street Dec. 22 just before 8 p.m.
The victim was identified as 30-year-old Gavinder Grewal of North Vancouver, who investigators said was known to police for his associations with gang activity.
The death was deemed suspicious and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team was called in to investigate further, according to a news release.
“IHIT has taken conduct of this investigation,” said Cpl. Frank Jang, IHIT spokesman. “We are working with North Vancouver RCMP, particularly their serious crime unit, to speak with witnesses and to canvas in that building for potential witnesses.”
Investigators believe Grewal’s murder was targeted and linked to other gang violence in the Lower Mainland.
“What our investigators are doing are we’re consulting with our partners from the gang enforcement unit throughout the region, because they are the gang experts so they may know a bit more information about Gavinder,” Jang said.
IHIT couldn’t confirm Grewal’s cause of death, but Jang said investigators are hoping an autopsy report expected later this week would provide more answers.
Jang added that there was no imminent threat to public safety.
“We don’t believe it was a random incident. With that said, we believe that the threat to the public safety is minimal. In light of any homicide we ask that everyone be vigilant, as they should always do regardless of whether there was a murder,” he said.
“Just be aware of your surroundings.”
Anyone with information regarding Grewal’s death is asked to call IHIT at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email [email protected].
People with information who wish to remain anonymous are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
