Police announced Monday that they have arrested a 28-year-old Surrey man for the brutal stabbing murder of an Indo-Canadian man on the White Rock pier last week. Police have not identified the suspect but earlier they described him as a black man. On April 23 at 9:26 p.m., the White Rock RCMP responded to a report of an injured man in the 15400-block of Marine Drive. Officers along with BC Ambulance Emergency Health Services attended and upon arrival, located a 26-year old man, later identified as Kulwinder Singh Sohi, on the White Rock Promenade at the parking lot adjacent to the Grand Chief Bernard Robert Charles (Pa-Kwach-Tun) Memorial Plaza, suffering from fatal stab wounds. 

By PD Raj – Senior Reporter DESIBUZZCanada

SURREY – Police announced Monday that they have arrested a 28-year-old Surrey man for the brutal stabbing murder of an Indo-Canadian man on the White Rock pier last week.

Police have not identified the suspect but earlier they described him as a black man.

On April 23 at 9:26 p.m., the White Rock RCMP responded to a report of injured man in the 15400-block of Marine Drive. Officers along with BC Ambulance Emergency Health Services attended and upon arrival, located a 26-year old man, later identified as Kulwinder Singh Sohi, on the White Rock Promenade at the parking lot adjacent to the Grand Chief Bernard Robert Charles (Pa-Kwach-Tun) Memorial Plaza, suffering from fatal stab wounds. 

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) took conduct of the investigation and continues to work closely in partnership with the White Rock RCMP, the BC Coroners Service and the Integrated Forensic Identification Services.

On Monday, April 29, IHIT investigators with the assistance of the Integrated Emergency Response Team, arrested a 28-year old man from Surrey, BC, in relation to the homicide. 

“This remains a very active investigation,” says Sergeant Timothy Pierotti of IHIT. “We recognize the public’s concern for safety and want to provide updates as soon as possible. 

IHIT is asking that any witnesses or anyone who was in the area of the White Rock Promenade, east of the White Rock Pier near the parking lot adjacent to the Grand Chief Bernard Robert Charles (Pa-Kwach-Tun) Memorial Plaza or driving on Marine Drive on April 23, 2024, between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., with dash cameras or anyone who may have information regarding the homicide to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.    

The murder of Sohi sent shockwaves in the seaside community as there had been an only days earlier brutal stabbing of another Indo-Canadian man.

Police said earlier witnesses described seeing Sohi in a physical altercation with the suspect, before giving chase eastbound on the Promenade toward the parking lot adjacent to the Grand Chief Bernard Robert Charles (Pa-Kwach-Tun) Memorial Plaza.

“This occurred in a very public location. From our video review, we know there were many witnesses in the area. If you were there or parked in the area, now is the time to call IHIT,” says Sergeant Timothy Pierotti of IHIT. “We will continue to work tirelessly, supported by the White Rock members as well as the other I-Teams, to identify, locate and arrest the person responsible for this tragedy.”

The suspect is described by witnesses as a black male, approximately 5’11, wearing a dark coloured hat and a grey hoodie.

White Rock RCMP had advised the public of a homicide that occurred last Tuesday evening and is requesting anyone who may have witnessed the incident or was taking photos/videos in the area to contact police.

Given the apparent similarities between this incident and the one which occurred on Sunday evening, police are investigating to determine whether or not there is a conclusive link between the two events. 

“Undoubtedly these violent incidents have raised concerns surrounding safety in our community and we want to assure the public that their safety is our top priority,” says White Rock RCMP Detachment Commander, Staff Sergeant Rob Dixon. “Patrols in the area have been increased and our officers will be working with IHIT to identify the suspect.”

White Rock RCMP said it has increased patrols in the waterfront area following two recent stabbings, one which tragically resulted in a homicide last night. 

Police said this level of violence is not something we are accustomed to seeing in White Rock, however they have experienced investigators who have been and continue to work diligently to find the person or persons responsible.

“Understandably, the incidents have raised concerns surrounding safety in our community.  I share those concerns. These acts of violence are the top priority for me and the detachment,” police said

“To that end, White Rock RCMP is being supported by specialized policing resources from the Lower Mainland District, Surrey RCMP, Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, Integrated Forensic Identification Services, and Integrated Police Dog Service. 

“Specifically, White Rock RCMP starts its enhanced policing initiative each May coinciding with the warm weather and the influx of people visiting the community.  In light of these two incidents the annual enhanced policing initiative is starting immediately. Members of our community can expect to see an increased police presence in the area with officers conducting patrols on foot, bike and via rail through an established partnership with BNSF railway.”