The Abbotsford News has learned that the victim of Thursday night’s fatal shooting on Sparrow Drive is Harwin Baringh, a 2014 graduate of W.J. Mouat Secondary.
Baringh, 18, was a member of the Mouat wrestling team for a short time, including when they clinched first place in the Port Alberni Invitational Tournament in February 2013.
Individually, Baringh placed fifth in the juvenile boys category at that event.
Little information could be found on Baringh. Brief “rest in peace” messages were posted on some of his friends’ Facebook and Twitter pages.
“I’m just staring (at) our last text conversation and wishing you could laugh with me one more time. R.I.P. bro,” said one message.
“Rest in paradise bro,” said another.
Investigators were still at the scene on Friday, with a portion of Goldfinch Street blocked off to traffic in the area where it intersects with Sparrow Drive – the scene of the murder on Thursday evening in the 30500 block.
The area is bordered by Mt. Lehman Road and Blue Jay Street.
Baringh was found slumped over in the driver’s seat of an SUV, dead from gunshot wounds, and residents reported hearing and seeing one or two cars racing away from the scene. One is described as a newer white Acura TL and the other a dark-coloured sedan.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), which is now heading the investigation, has provided no new information, other than to confirm Friday evening that Baringh was the victim of the targeted shooting.
Investigators are not revealing, or do not yet know, the motive for the attack and whether it is related to a conflict that has been going on since May between two groups of young men in an area of Abbotsford not far from the crime scene.
Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT tip line at 1-877-551-4448 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
