A burnt-out car discovered in a Langley neighbourhood is likely connected to a murder in Burnaby, police said.
Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) was on scene Monday morning after the vehicle was discovered near the 20600 block of 73B Avenue on Sunday night (Jan. 19)
A neighbour told the Langley Advance Times they heard a commotion on Sunday evening at around 9:30 p.m., followed by “a loud boom.”
The neighbour added that they then saw a ball of flames erupt from their window, which was then followed by the arrival of RCMP.
They said there were no damages to any nearby belongings or properties, though the neighbour did say a tree did catch fire, which was promptly extinguished.
Later in the day, IHIT issued a statement that the vehicle was believed to be a black Nissan Rogue identified as a suspect vehicle in a Sunday (Jan. 19) fatal shooting at the Chevron gas station at 4487 Canada Way in Burnaby.
A man, now identified as 28-year-old Julian Johnson, was found at the scene with gunshot wounds. He was taken to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries
A Nissan Rogue was identified as a suspect vehicle from the gas station and was last seen eastbound on Highway 1.
Julian Johnson was known to police and his homicide is believed to be a targeted incident that is linked to the ongoing Lower Mainland gang conflict, IHIT said.
READ MORE: Homicide investigators probe Burnaby gas station shooting
IHIT Sgt. Frank Yang called it a “brazen shooting in a public place.
“We are relieved no one else was hurt,” Yang added.
“Significant progress is being made in these early stages. Our investigators are pursuing several leads and we need everyone with information to contact us so we can maintain the momentum on this fast-moving investigation.”
IHIT is working with the Burnaby RCMP, the Langley RCMP, the Integrated Forensic Identification Services and the B.C. Coroners Service to gather evidence.
An neighbourhood canvass for video surveillance footage and witnesses is underway in both Burnaby and Langley.
IHIT is asking for dash cam video from anyone who was travelling in the following locations and time periods:
· Highway 1 between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
· Area of 206A Street and 73B Avenue in Langley between 9:15 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551- IHIT (4448), or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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Email: ryan.uytdewilligen@langleyadvancetimes.com
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