(UPDATE: Oct. 21, 2022 @ 5:40 pm): Just before 10 am on Oct. 17, University RCMP received reports of a shooting at the University Golf Club, located in the 5100-block of University Boulevard in Vancouver.
Officers attended and located 38-year-old, Vishal Walia suffering from fatal gunshot wounds.
Shortly after, a vehicle fire was reported in the laneway located in the 4000-block of W 20th Avenue. A suspect vehicle was quickly identified by Vancouver Police Department VPD members who were responding to the fire.
Around 10:15 am, members from VPD, BC Highway Patrol and the Richmond RCMP, arrested DeAndre Baptiste, Balraj Basra and Iqbal Kang in relation to the homicide and vehicle arson.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) took conduct of the homicide investigation and immediately began working closely with VPD, University RCMP and the Richmond RCMP to identify evidence linking the offences.
This afternoon, Oct. 21, charges of first-degree murder were laid against DeAndre Baptiste, Balraj Basra and Iqbal Kang, who remain in custody following their arrests.
“This timely outcome could not have happened without the unwavering support from our partners,” says Sergeant Timothy Pierotti of IHIT.
“Despite being a multi-jurisdictional investigation, IHIT was able to efficiently advance the investigation throughout the week.”
(Update: Oct. 18, 2022): The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has identified the victim of a targeted shooting on University Boulevard at a golf club yesterday morning.
Investigators are now identifying the victim as 38-year old Vishal Walia, in hopes of furthering their investigation. Investigators believe this to have been a targeted shooting in relation to the lower mainland gang conflict.
On October 17, 2022 at 9:49 am, University RCMP received reports of a shooting at the University Golf Club, located in the 5100-block of University Boulevard on the University Endowment Lands.
Officers attended and located a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts by the officers, the victim succumbed to his injuries. IHIT took conduct of the investigation and continues to work closely in partnership with the University Detachment, BC Coroners Service and the RCMP Forensic Identification Section.
Then, at 10:02 am, a vehicle fire was reported in the laneway located in the 4000-block of W 20th Avenue, Vancouver. IHIT is working with the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) to determine if the two incidence are connected.
“IHIT is urging anyone who had contact with Mr. Walia in the days leading to his death, to please contact police, as we continue to build a timeline of events,” says Sgt. Timothy Pierotti of IHIT.
“We are still appealing to anyone with dash cam video to secure the footage and to contact us immediately.”
(UPDATE: Oct. 17 @ 4:32 pm) - This morning, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) was deployed following reports of a shooting at the University Golf Course.
Just before 10 am, University RCMP attended the parking lot and located a man suffering from gunshot wounds.
Despite life-saving efforts by the officers, the victim succumbed to his injuries.
IHIT has since taken control of the investigation and is working closely in partnership with the University Detachment, BC Coroners Service and the RCMP Forensic Identification Section.
At this time, the shooting is believed to be targeted and police don’t believe there is a further threat to the public.
“IHIT is aware of a vehicle fire that occurred in Vancouver shortly after the shooting and is looking for witnesses that can help confirm if it’s related to the homicide,” says Sergeant Timothy Pierotti of IHIT.
“We are appealing to anyone with dash cam video to secure the footage and to contact us immediately.”
The victim has been identified, but their name is not being released at this time, as investigators work to notify the family.
While the University Golf Course is near the University of British Columbia (UBC) campus, it is owned and operated by the Musqueam Capital Corporation.
IHIT is asking that any witnesses or anyone with dash camera video who attended the area of the University Golf Course between 8:00 am and 10:00 am or who has any information regarding the shooting, to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448).
(ORIGINAL STORY: Oct. 17 @ 1:00 pm) - A large police presence at the golf course in the 5100-block of University Boulevard is being seen after a shooting this morning.
Details are scarce at this time, but homicide investigators are set to speak more on the shooting during a news conference this afternoon.
The university said in a brief statement that RCMP are responding to a targeted incident at the University Golf Club.
They added that police do not believe there is a risk to the public.
More to come.
