Police were investigating the scene of a fatal shooting in the parking lot of the Sandman Inn in Willoughby Saturday afternoon.
The victim was apparently killed in the parking lot just before 2 p.m. On Monday, he was identified as 20-year-old, Tyrell Michael Sinnott in what police believe to be a targetted shooting.
Langley RCMP were called in after a report of shots fired, said Cpl. Holly Largy, spokesperson for the local RCMP.
They found an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds, who died of his injuries, Largy said.
The shooting appears to be targeted, police said.
Sinnott had a criminal record and was involved in the drug trade, said Cp. Meghan Foster of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT).
She could not say if he had any gang associations.
“This act of violence was a blatant disregard for the safety of the public, and there are people who have information about what happened,” Foster said. “These individuals are encouraged to contact the police so that we can hold those responsible accountable.”
Police had covered Sinnott’s body with a tarp, next to a silver SUV that appeared to have bullet hole in its partially-shattered rear window.
While many of those working in stores around the site didn’t hear the initial incident, McKai Reschke and Shannon Hamilton heard the initial gunfire.
“At first it was like, that sounds like gunshots,” said Reschke.
A few minutes later the police sirens arrived, and they realized it really had been gunfire. They heard four shots, Reschke said.
Hamilton said an RCMP officer asked about security camera coverage at their store, and if any cameras were pointed towards the parking lot of the Sandman Inn.
IHIT is still doing an extensive canvas for any video evidence that could turn up near the crime scene, said Foster.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation can call the IHIT tipline at 1-877-551-4448 (IHIT) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
To remain anonymous, call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
