An 85-year-old man was discovered deceased in his residence in Burnaby, presumed to be an unintended casualty of a stray bullet, as per the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT).
The individual, identified as Chang Yong Cho, was found by law enforcement officials in his apartment located in the 7400 block of Kingsway on the afternoon of August 30. IHIT stated that the fatal bullet was likely discharged during a “shots fired” incident that occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. approximately one block away near 18th Avenue and Humphries Avenue.
Following the incident, a suspect vehicle fled the scene before police could intervene, and an initial examination revealed no other wounded individuals, IHIT disclosed in a statement.
Nearly 15 hours later, Burnaby RCMP responded to a well-being check request at Cho’s residence.
Expressing condolences, IHIT Sgt. Freda Fong lamented the loss of life, emphasizing that Mr. Cho was unexpectedly and tragically killed in his own home, leaving behind grieving family members and loved ones.
Fong noted that authorities have pinpointed a group of youths suspected of involvement in or having knowledge of the shooting, urging both the youths and their parents to step forward and assist the ongoing investigation.
Individuals possessing eyewitness accounts or any dashcam or CCTV footage relevant to the incident are encouraged to reach out to IHIT for further assistance.