Gang violence in the lower mainland is out of control and the latest saw an 18-year-old teen gunned down along the Burnaby highway and another person injured. Police said they are releasing the name of the victim to further the investigation and identify additional witnesses. Investigators can now confirm the identity of the victim as Meysam Zaki. The second victim, who was transported to hospital with non life threatening injuries, will not be identified at this time.
By PD Raj – Senior Writer DESIBUZZCanada
BURNABY – Gang violence in the lower mainland is out of control and the latest saw an 18-year-old teen gunned down along the Burnaby highway and another person injured.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has taken conduct of an investigation after two men were shot while driving on Highway 1, resulting in one death.
On August 6, at 2:29 p.m., the Burnaby RCMP responded to a report of a shooting on the Trans Canada Highway, near the Kensington overpass. A man called 911 after the vehicle he was driving was targeted in a shooting, resulting in the death of his passenger.
A suspect vehicle was identified as a black Mercedes Benz SUV. IHIT has taken conduct of the investigation and is working closely in partnership with the Burnaby RCMP, the BC Coroners Service, the RCMP Integrated Forensic Identification Section (IFIS) and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC (CFSEU-BC).
At this time, investigators believe the shooting was targeted and there are no further risks to the public. Investigators are working to confirm the location where the shooting took place.
At approximately 4:30 p.m. Burnaby RCMP received a call of a vehicle fire in the 1100 block of Eastlawn Drive, Burnaby, near Beecher Park. IHIT believes this vehicle to be the black Mercedes, linked to the homicide investigation and has taken conduct of the scene.
Police said they are releasing the name of the victim to further the investigation and identify additional witnesses. Investigators can now confirm the identity of the victim as 18 year-old Meysam Zaki. The second victim, who was transported to hospital with non life threatening injuries, will not be identified at this time.
“We are releasing Mr. Zaki’s name in hopes that witnesses will come forward who can assist us in building a timeline of his whereabouts in the time leading to his death,” says Sergeant Timothy Pierotti of IHIT. “Any associates of Mr. Zaki or the second victim are urged to speak with police. IHIT is committed to bring justice for this young man’s family.”
IHIT is asking that any witnesses or anyone traveling west on Highway 1 in Burnaby around 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with dash-cam video to contact IHIT. Anyone in the area of Beecher Park between 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. is being asked to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
