Burnaby RCMP and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) are appealing to the public for help in solving the fatal shooting of an 85-year-old senior struck by a stray bullet while inside his home.
According to IHIT, investigators believe that Chang Yong Cho was an innocent victim in the incident that took place on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, shortly after 1:30 a.m.
Cho’s name has been released to the public by police in an attempt to “advance the investigation.”
“Burnaby RCMP frontline officers responded to a report of shots fired near 18th Avenue and Humphries Avenue,” stated IHIT in a release.
“The suspect vehicle fled the area prior to police arrival. Initial investigation did not locate any injured victims.”
Koshiro K/Shutterstock
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A few hours later, around 4 a.m., Burnaby RCMP received a request to check on the well-being of an individual located in an apartment in the 7400-block of Kingsway, which was about one block from the location of the earlier shots-fired report.
Police located an 85-year-old man who had suffered a gunshot wound upon entering the apartment. The senior was subsequently pronounced deceased.
IHIT announced that preliminary findings point to Cho being an innocent victim who was struck by a stray bullet from the earlier incident.
The team is also looking for witnesses and anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage from the area of 18th Avenue and Humphries Avenue, between the hours of 12:30 a.m. and 2 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 30.
Near the area where the incident occurred. (Google Maps)
“This is a heartbreaking and tragic loss of life. Mr. Cho was simply in his home when his life was suddenly taken, leaving behind a grieving family and loved ones,” said Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT in a statement.
“Our investigators have identified a group of youths believed to be involved or have knowledge of the shooting, and we have been actively working to locate them to establish the roles of everyone involved.
“We are urging these youths to come forward and speak with investigators. We are also appealing directly to their parents: if you know your child has information about this shooting, please encourage them to do the right thing and come forward. The Cho family deserves answers.”
Anyone with information can contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.