Mehakpreet Sethi, 18, of Surrey, has been identified as the victim of a fatal stabbing on Tuesday (Nov. 22) in a school parking lot.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) confirmed his identity Wednesday afternoon.
The 18-year-old Sethi died after being stabbed outside Tamanawis Secondary school in Newton, located at 12600 66 Ave.
Punjabi media are reporting on Twitter that the victim was there to pick up his younger brother from the school but IHIT would not confirm those details when contacted by the Now-Leader.
On Tuesday, Surrey RCMP said they responded to reports of a stabbing outside the school at 12:08 p.m. They said a man who was suffering from stab wounds was taken to hospital but did not survive.
Police said they arrested a 17-year-old suspect “who has been transported to Surrey RCMP cells.” On Wednesday, IHIT said they believe the suspect and Sethi knew each other and that they do not believe the fatal stabbing is tied to the Lower Mainland gang conflict.
A Google Maps screenshot of Tamanawis Secondary School. (Screenshot: Google Maps)
In a statement released Tuesday, Ian McGennis, the principal of Tamanawis Secondary school, stated that the stabbing victim was “not a member of our school community.”
McGennis added, the school was placed “on a hold and secure, which involves everyone remaining inside the school as exterior doors are secured.”
Counselling is being made available to students.
Meanwhile, Surrey’s mayor is thanking the RCMP for making a quick arrest after Sethi was killed.
“As mayor and as a mother and grandmother, my heart is with all who have been impacted by this senseless tragedy,” Locke stated in a release sent Wednesday.
“I would like to commend Surrey RCMP for their quick response which resulted in the apprehension of the suspect.”
SPS was first on scene providing CPR trying to keep the young man awake, look at videos online. She needs to have some respect for SPS as well, their police officers doing their jobs.
— A.Rai (@akr47187) November 23, 2022
Police are asking anyone with information about Sethi’s death to call IHIT at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) .
We know there were many students in the area around the time this tragedy took place,” said Sgt. Timothy Pierotti of IHIT. “If you or one of your loved ones has information that could help shed light on why this young man was killed, please contact IHIT immediately.”
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