The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has reported a tragic incident involving the death of an 85-year-old man in Burnaby, believed to be the result of a stray bullet.
On the early morning of Aug. 30, Burnaby RCMP responded to reports of gunfire in the vicinity of 18th Avenue and Humphries Avenue. Despite their swift arrival, the suspected vehicle had already fled the scene, leaving officers unable to locate any immediate victims.
Later that same day, authorities were compelled to conduct a welfare check at an apartment building on Kingsway near Britton Street, close to where the shots had been reported earlier. Inside the apartment, officers discovered the lifeless body of 85-year-old Chang Yong Cho, who had tragically fallen victim to a stray bullet while in his home.
Investigators are treating Cho’s death as a senseless act of violence, targeting an innocent individual. IHIT has made public Cho’s identity and photo in hopes of furthering their inquiry into the incident.
Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT expressed deep sorrow over the loss, emphasizing the need for justice and closure for Cho’s family. Authorities have identified a group of youths suspected to be connected to the shooting and are actively seeking their cooperation in the investigation.
IHIT urges anyone who may have witnessed the incident or possesses dashcam or CCTV footage from the area around 18th Avenue and Humphries Avenue between 12:30 a.m. and 2 a.m. on Aug. 30 to come forward and assist with the case.
