For the third time this month, homicide investigators have been called to Burnaby.
On Tuesday morning, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team confirmed it was investigating a double stabbing in Burnaby that left one person dead.
According to IHIT, Burnaby RCMP responded to a report of a double stabbing at a homeless camp in the area of Rumble Street and Griffith Drive. Police found an injured man who was taken to hospital and has since been released. After searching the area, police found a second man who succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
IHIT noted a 53-year-old man, who was known to the victims, was arrested at scene and could be facing homicide related charges.
“At this early stage, this incident appears to be a targeted attack between individuals known to each other,” said IHIT Cpl. Meghan Foster. “Police are looking to obtain information about the events leading up to this homicide and are asking anyone with information to come forward.”
Police have not released the name of the victim or the suspect.
IHIT also noted there is no apparent connection to the homicide at another homeless camp a couple weeks ago.
On Oct. 9 the body of Kevin William Knuff, 56, was found near a homeless camp on North Road. That investigation is still ongoing.
Wanda Mulholland, co-ordinator of the Society To End Homelessness in Burnaby, told the NOW she’s troubled by the recent homicides at homeless camps.
She noted with low vacancy rates, high cost of rent, and the increasing number of people becoming homeless means the issue of housing has never been more critical.
“To have repeated incidents where people who are homeless are harmed and fatalities, it is all part of a pretty bleak picture here,” she said. “We’re losing a lot of people because of the impact of extreme poverty and homelessness. It couldn’t be more serious”
When asked if Burnaby needs a homeless shelter, Mulholland said the city needs a “continuum” of housing, adding that a shelter, transitional housing and affordable housing are all pieces of the issue.
Meanwhile, Monday’s incident is Burnaby’s third murder of the month.
On Oct. 5, Hee Sook Youn’s body was found in her Burnaby business on North Road. The main suspect, her husband Youngku Youn, is still being sought by police.
