Homicide investigators address recent deadly gun violence in Metro Vancouver

Officials with the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) spoke publicly on Thursday regarding three fatal shootings in Metro Vancouver that have taken place since last weekend.

Last Saturday night, a man was gunned down in Coal Harbour. On Monday, a 20-year-old was shot dead in a Coquitlam park. And on Wednesday morning, a man was shot and killed just outside the Langley Sportsplex.

On Thursday, Insp. Michelle Tanse said IHIT is currently investigating the Coquitlam and Langley incidents, noting that both investigations are still in the early stages.

“Both shootings were brazen and took place in broad daylight and in public spaces where members of the community go for recreation and relaxation,” said Tanse. “We understand the public’s concern about these acts of violence and we share that concern.”

• See also:
  • Homicide team called in after fatal daytime shooting outside Langley Sportsplex
  • 20-year-old dies after daytime shooting in Coquitlam park
  • One dead after “targeted” shooting in downtown Vancouver

Tanse said IHIT is now working with Langley RCMP and other I-Team partners to complete priority tasks, scene processing and witness interviewing.

In the meantime, she said police are now able to identify the Langley shooting victim.

“He was 46-year-old Todd Gouwenberg, a resident of Langley,” said Tanse. “Mr. Gouwenberg was known to police as part of the gang environment in the Lower Mainland, but I do caution, we are in the early stages of the investigation and have not yet determined the motive for the murder.”

However, police “can say with confidence that Mr. Gouwenberg was targeted.”

Tanse said investigators are continuing their efforts on both the Langley and Coquitlam homicide, and “will work diligently to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”