IHIT takes over probe of Abbotsford double shooting

One of two men wounded last week in a targeted Abbotsford shooting is not expected to survive.

So the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has taken over the case.

IHIT is not identifying the victim at the request of his family, something that has been happening with increasing frequency.

“While the exact motive is unclear at this time, it is believed that this incident is as a result of the ongoing Townline Hill conflict,” Sgt. Stephanie Ashton said in a news release.

“One of the men injured in this incident sustained fatal wounds and is not expected to survive his injuries, therefore, this incident is now being investigated as a homicide and IHIT has taken conduct.  Another man injured in this incident remains in hospital in critical but stable condition.”

She said “the victim’s family members are trying to process the tragedy and loss they are forced to deal with.”

“While the victim and family will not be identified they have asked to provide a brief message to the community of Abbotsford.  The message they wish to give is simply for the violence to stop.  The family are urging those individuals wrapped up in this conflict to stop as they do not want to see any more violence and death as a result of it.”

She said IHIT is also seeking the public’s help to locate a driver who may have information about a vehicle associated to this shooting.

“Investigators are aware of a dark-coloured sedan that was driving erratically on Hawthorne Avenue at 9:20 p.m. on the evening of Thursday March 10, 2016.  While driving erratically, the sedan cut off another driver which resulted in this driver honking their horn at the sedan,” Ashton said. “The driver that was cut off has yet to be identified and IHIT is requesting that driver come forward to police as they may have information that could assist this investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact IHIT at 1-877-551-4448 or ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

NOTE: I am off work and out-of-town till Wednesday. I’ll try to keep you up-to-date on the blog if there are developments in this or any of the other recent shootings/murders.