The RCMP’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is seeking the public’s assistance to further its investigation into the shooting death of Jaskaran Singh Minhas.
Minhas was found in a vehicle suffering from life-threatening injuries at the Scott Road Crossing shopping plaza on March 3. Surrey Police were called to the area after reports of shots being fired.
Despite life-saving measures, 29-year-old Minhas was pronounced dead at the scene.
Within 10 minutes, Delta Police responded to reports of a vehicle fire in the area of 64 Avenue and Westview Drive.
Police quickly classified the red Dodge Charger as the suspect vehicle in the investigation.
The investigation was assigned to the Integrated Gang Homicide Team (IGHT) after multiple pieces of evidence pointed to gang activity. Police also said Minhas was known to authorities and was believed to be involved in “organized crime”.
“This was a targeted, brazen shooting in a high-traffic area,” Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT said in March. “Those involved displayed a complete disregard for public safety. This shooting has the hallmarks of a targeted, gang-related homicide and the IGHT will be taking lead.”
The IGHT says it has made significant progress on the investigation and have identified several persons of interest. Investigators say they believe multiple individuals were involved in the planning and execution of the shooting.
A witness named Joe told CityNews following the incident that he and a friend were having a discussion in the carpark when they saw multiple people who looked suspicious.
“We were just sitting there and these guys kept walking around and we felt uncomfortable,” he said. “What’s this guy doing? He’s on the phone smoking and then I see what looks like the same guy over here doing the same thing and then I look and there’s another guy, three of them.”
He describes them as clean-cut men, dressed in dark clothing.
Joe left the area and heard shots fired upon his arrival home.
Police have not confirmed these details.
“We are heartbroken parents desperately seeking answers about what happened to our son, Jaskaran. He was tragically killed in a gang-related incident, and since that day, our lives have been turned upside down as we cope with this unimaginable loss,” Minhas’ family is pleading to the public. “We are still searching for answers. If you were present, heard anything, or saw something, please come forward.”
Investigators have now released pictures of the suspect vehicle which they say has “distinct markings”, in hopes of advancing the investigation.
“This vehicle stands out and we urge anyone that has any information on the vehicle and/or the occupants to come forward and speak to IHIT“, says” Cpl. Sukhi Dhesi of IHIT, said in a media release. “This is a tragic event for Mr. Mihas’ family, and they are asking anyone with information about this homicide to come forward and assist in getting answers about the loss of their son.“
IGHT investigators say they have obtained evidence that the Dodge Charger was in an area near the U.S. border in Abbotsford and the Fleetwood area of Surrey, leading up to the shooting.
Anyone with information regarding is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.