Burnaby, Jan 25: Police in British Columbia are investigating the murder of 28-year-old Dilraj Singh Gill, who was shot and killed in Burnaby this past Thursday. The investigation has moved quickly to link the death of the Vancouver resident to broader conflict between organized crime groups in the province.
Officers responding to calls of shots fired near the 3700 block of Canada Way found Gill at approximately 5:30 p.m. Despite the immediate arrival of frontline officers and medical efforts, he succumbed to his wounds. Investigators have stated that Gill’s prior interactions with police suggest he was the intended target of the gunfire.
The search for suspects led officers to a second location on Buxton Street, where a vehicle had been set ablaze. Evidence collected at that site has been directly connected to the shooting.
“Investigators have confirmed that the vehicle located burning in the 5000 block of Buxton Street is connected to the homicide and police are actively working to collect more information about the vehicle,” the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said.
The use of fire to dispose of getaway vehicles is a common tactic in regional gang disputes, a factor that is being closely analyzed by the Lower Mainland District Integrated Forensic Identification Service. Sergeant Freda Fong mentioned that the cooperation of the public is now the primary focus for the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.
“Information from witnesses and those in the area will be crucial in ensuring this investigation advances,” Fong said, adding that community assistance is vital for holding the perpetrators responsible.
The BC Coroners Service is working alongside forensic experts to process the scene. Local authorities are asking anyone with information regarding the shooting or the burning vehicle to contact investigators immediately to help advance the case.
