An 85-year-old man was discovered deceased in his residence in Burnaby, allegedly as an unintended victim of a stray bullet, as per the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT). The individual, identified as Chang Yong Cho, was found in his apartment on Kingsway on the afternoon of August 30.
Authorities suspect that the fatal bullet was discharged during a “shots fired” incident around 1:30 a.m. in a location one block away from Cho’s residence near 18th Avenue and Humphries Avenue. Following the incident, a suspect vehicle fled the scene before law enforcement arrived, and no injured individuals were initially found during the investigation, IHIT reported.
Nearly 15 hours after the incident, Burnaby RCMP responded to a well-being check request at Cho’s home. IHIT Sgt. Freda Fong expressed deep sorrow over the loss, emphasizing that Mr. Cho was peacefully at home when his life was abruptly taken, leaving behind grieving family and friends. Fong mentioned that the police have identified a group of young individuals suspected of involvement or having information about the shooting, urging them and their parents to cooperate with the investigation.
Individuals possessing information, witnesses, or those with dashcam or CCTV footage relevant to the case are urged to contact IHIT for assistance.
