Vancouver/Lower Mainland Violent Deaths 2002
KAREN LAL
Karen Lal, 25, was found murdered in a Yaletown apartment on Dec. 18, 2002. Lal's boyfriend, Shem William Trotman, 32, was charged with second degree murder on Jan. 15. Dec. 18, 2002
On Saturday December 7th, 2003, the Coquitlam RCMP were notified that a nude body of a woman was lying in the Coquitlam River. The immediate area was secured and it was later determined that the woman in question was 19 year old Breann Voth of Port Coquitlam. Police also determined that Breann was last seen between the hours of 5:45 am and 7 am on Saturday December 7th, 2003, in the Prairie and Shaughnessy area of Port Coquitlam. Breann was on her way to work. Derek Frederick Post, 22, faces one count of first-degree murder. File #Coquitlam 2002-47956 Dec. 7, 2002
LORI LYNN ELAINE KOKOTAILO
On Dec. 03, 2002 Jamie Robert Kokotailo, 38, of Mission was charged with the first degree murder of Lori Lynn Elaine Kokotailo, also of Mission. File #Mission 2002-16668 Dec. 1, 2002
JULIE SMITH & GLEN MARTIN
On Friday February 4th, 2005 Burnaby RCMP arrested 27 year old Langley resident Michael Joseph Wilson for the murder of Burnaby residents Julie Smith, 33 and Glen Martin, 48. On November 28th, 2002 their deceased bodies were discovered in the trunk of Smith's abandoned Ford LTD. The car had been left on the shoulder of the westbound lanes of Hwy 1 between the Kensington and Willingdon exits. Police investigators believe that Martin may have been involved with drugs at the time of his death. Smith on the other hand does not appear to have been involved in criminal activity and was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Investigators believe both Smith and Martin were murdered at a rural Maple Ridge home located at 12532 McTavish Road and that later, Smith's vehicle was abandoned in the early morning hours on November 26th, 2002. Investigators also believe that Michael Joseph Wilson was picked up by Good Samaritan motorist who was westbound and stopped to render assistance. File #Burnaby 2002-57347 Nov. 26, 2002 Guilty verdict in double killing
DAVINDER SINGH GHARU
Investigation reveals that an Indo Canadian male driving a late model Lincoln Navigator was shot several times while seated behind the steering wheel of his vehicle. Immediately following the shooting, the victim was able to reverse his vehicle and drive backwards on Holland Street till 5th Avenue. He then drove his vehicle east-bound on 5th Ave and prior to reaching 12th Street, the vehicle left the road, mounted the boulevard, struck a parked vehicle and ended up crashing into a house situated at that location. Davinder Singh Gharu, 21, was a close friend of Jaskaran Singh Chima, who was murdered in spring 2002, and an associate of Robbie Kandola, murdered in June. Sources say the intended target of the hit was actually Gharu's cousin Peter Adiwal. NWPS file: 02-27883 Nov. 18, 2002 A history of organized crime in the Indo-Canadian community
On November 17, 2002 the bound body of an eighteen-year-old Vietnamese male was discovered in a ditch on Allard Crescent just east of 208 Street in North Langley by a local area resident out walking his dog. Tran is also known by the name of "Dragon.” File #Langley 2002-39133 Nov. 17, 2002 UPDATED: Drug gang war body count up 3
COLLEEN ANNE FINDLAY
Police say the body of Colleen Anne Findlay, 39, was found dead in the family home located in the 22500-block of 132nd Avenue, Nov. 12, 2002, after fire crews and police arrived to douse a fire burning inside the home. Upon attending the home, it was noted the family vehicle was missing. Police searches for the missing vehicle located it in Maple Ridge on the night of the fire. Arrested were 6 occupants in that vehicle of which 5 were young persons. A 15-year-old Maple Ridge resident Jeremy Vojkovic has been arrested and charges of 1st degree murder have been forwarded in connection with the fatal house fire. File #Ridge Meadows 2002-25580 Nov. 12, 2002
ABENAAS (Abby) JASWAL
Abenaas (Abby) Jaswal is doused with flammable liquid and set on fire in a ravine beside a Belcarra regional park road. Port Moody police believe the Simon Fraser University student got involved in a drug scheme that went bad. Nov. 1, 2002 A history of organized crime in the Indo-Canadian community
LANYAN KONG
On October 24, 2002, Lanyan Kong, 28, died trying to escape from her Burnaby apartment located at 6075 Wilson Avenue. A fire had been started in the stairwell of the building and police and firefighters suspected arson. On October 26, 2002 Lynn Anne Colwell was arrested and charged with the death of Lanyan Kong, then held in custody until her court date. On Wednesday, May 21, 2003, Colwell pled guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 6 years in addition to time served. File #Burnaby 2002-50857 October 24, 2002
JAMES ROY DUNN
The body recovered in an isolated industrial area of 5300 block of Riverbend on Sunday, October 20, 2002 has now been identified as James Roy Dunn, 41, of Burnaby. The investigation has lead police to believe that Mr. Dunn was murdered between 5:00 p.m. Saturday and 12:00 noon Sunday when his body was discovered. Police believe that the murder did not occur where Mr. Dunn's body was discovered but rather in the Champlain Heights area of east Vancouver. Burnaby RCMP have arrested and Crown have approved murder charges against Russel John Sims, 40, of New Westminster and Ronald Arthur Johnson, 42, of Vancouver in the murder of James Dunn. File #Burnaby 2002-50074 October 20, 2002
MILO MILOT
Police received a call from a member of the public about an injured man. When police attended they located a 36 year old male with serious injuries that were apparently the result of an assault. Investigation revealed that the incident had happened earlier at a residence in the 3200 block of Vincent St. An ambulance transported him to RCH. On Oct. 12th Milo Milot of Port Coquitlam died as a result of the injuries. 18 year old Jonathan Patko turned himself in at the Port Coquitlam Court house and has been charged with second degree murder relating to the death of Milo Milot. A youth who was also involved has not been located. File #Coquitlam 2002-37529 Oct. 11, 2002
WEI AMANDA ZHAOS
The body of a deceased woman found near Stave Lake on Sunday, October 20th is that of Wei Amanda Zhaos, age 21. Ms. Zhaos went missing on Wednesday October 9th after she left her Burnaby home at about 8 pm to walk to a local food market. RCMP charged Han Zhang with accessory after the fact in Zhaos murder. Zhang lived with Zhaos and her boyfriend Ang Li at their Burnaby apartment. He is also Li's cousin. Shortly after she was found, Li, 19, returned to his home in Beijing, China. File #Mission 2002-14551 File #Burnaby 2002-48353 Oct. 9, 2002 Amanda Zhaos murder Parents to meet with Canadian officials Zhaos family dissatisfied Mom pleads for arrest Boyfriend suspected in BC murder Police under fire after student found dead
BRIAN WILLIAM PASKALIDIS
On October 8th, 2002, neighbours heard several shots in the area of the 5600 block of Camino Court. Police attending to an alley adjacent to Camino Court made the discovery of a deceased male. Brian William Paskalidis, 35, died as a result of several gunshot wounds. A gun was discovered near the deceased. On Sept. 12, 2003, police officers from the Burnaby RCMP arrested Giovanni (John) Ciliberto, 32, of Coquitlam and charged him with 2nd degree murder. FILE # 2002-47926 Oct. 8, 2002
MARCEL TREVOR SYLVESTER
Charged with second degree murder is 35-year-old William (Bill) Royal John Dickson of New Westminster. His victim has been identified as 30-year-old Marcel Trevor Sylvester, who moved to the city four months ago from the Edmonton area of Alberta NWPS file: 02-23270 Sept. 29. 2002
KAMALJIT SINGH SANGHA
The male victim discovered on the roadway in the area of Nelson Avenue and Marine Drive in Burnaby on Sunday, September 29, 2002 has now been identified as 26 year old Vancouver resident Kamaljit Singh Sangha who died as the result of gunshot. Sources say Sangha was killed because he gunned down 22-year-old Michael Ly three months earlier outside a Metrotown apartment building. File #Burnaby 2002-46353 Sept. 29, 2002 He ran a death squad A history of organized crime in the Indo-Canadian community
JIMMY NG
Richmond RCMP Cst. Jimmy Ng, age 31 was the victim of a fatal motor vehicle crash September 15, 2002.
Sept. 16, 2002 charges of were formally laid against 19 year old Yau Chung Stuart Chan and 20 year old Ying Hua David Guan, both of Richmond.
Sept. 19, 2002 after an investigation the charges are:
Count 1:Ying Hua David Guan and Yau Chun Stuart Chan on or about the 15th day of September 2002, at or near Richmond, in the Province of British Columbia, did by criminal negligence in the operation of a motor vehicle cause the death of Constable Jim Ng, contrary to Section 220 (b) of the Criminal Code.
Count 2: Yau Chun Stuart Chan and Ying Hua David Guan on or about the 15th day of September 2002, at or near Richmond, Province of British Columbia, having the care, charge or control of a vehicle that was involved in an accident with another person, Constable Jim Ng, resulting in the death of that person, and knowing that bodily harm was caused to that person, was reckless as to whether the death of that person resulted from bodily harm and did with intent escape civil or criminal liability, fail to give their name and address and offer assistance, contrary to Section 252,(1.3) (b) of the Criminal Code. File #Richmond 2002-34060 September 15, 2002 Speeder who killed cop gets 18 months in jail Man who killed RCMP officer to pay back ICBC Officer Down: Jimmy Ng
WAI LING TOMMY WONG
Richmond RCMP are currently investigating a homicide. Police were called to the 15300 Block of Westminster Hwy shortly after 4:00 a.m. Upon arrival members located Wai Ling Tommy Wong, 43, who had been shot. Investigators have determined that there was a party underway in the residence involving approximately eight (8) people. A single masked gunman entered the residence and allegedly robbed the attendees before discharging his firearm killing the victim. File #Richmond 2002-34062 September 15, 2002
VI SOI HOANG
Police located a severely beaten adult Asian male in his 40's, lying on the street. Investigation lead police to a residence in the area of the 8300 block of # 4 Road, where police uncovered a Marihuana grow operation. The victim of a brutal assault on in the late evening has died as a result of his injuries. Vi Soi Hoang, 41, died at VGH September 9, 2002. Vancouver's Parminder Perry Soor, 18, has been charged with break and enter, possession of a firearm, possession of a prohibited weapon and improper storage of a firearm. Milad Saffari, 19, of Surrey has been charged with second-degree murder, break and enter, committing a robbery using a firearm and possession of a loaded, restricted weapon. A Vancouver young offender, age 16, has been charged with second-degree murder. A second young offender, 17, of Richmond, has been charged with manslaughter. File #Richmond 2002-33247 September 8, 2002 Man killed in rip-off
NOELLE (Nikki) FIELDER
On September 7, 2002 a member of the RCMP Port Mann Freeway Patrol was making enquiries at Surrey Memorial Hospital when a man in a car drove up to him and requested assistance with his female passenger who had been shot. The woman was immediately transported inside the hospital where she was declared dead. 34-year-old Surrey resident Noelle Fiedler (who goes by the name Nikki) was shot while she was sitting in a car in the 14000 block of 92 Ave. A man who was a passenger in that car, a blue Honday CRX, witnessed the incident. This man drove Nikki to Surrey Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead. The suspect drove away from the scene in a black BMW. On Friday November 22, 26-year-old Surrey resident Christopher Robert White, AKA Todd White, was arrested in connection with this murder. He has been charged with first degree murder. File #Surrey 2002-97739 September 7, 2002
HEERA SINGH BAHIA
On Saturday November 16, 2002 members of a combined Search and Rescue Team called Mission RCMP after they discovered a body near Upper Sumas Road. The body was removed from the area and an autopsy was conducted on November 19, 2002. Results of the autopsy have determined that foul play was involved and the file has now become a homicide investigation. The RCMP can now confirm that the body of a deceased male is that of Heera Singh Bahia, age 24. Mr. Bahia was reported missing on August 30th to Surrey RCMP. File #Mission 2002-15888 August 30, 2004 UPDATED: Drug gang war body count up 3 A history of organized crime in the Indo-Canadian community
CHASSIDY MACKINAW
An extensive investigation commenced into the death of a small child, which included people being interviewed in both British Columbia and Alberta. It was during the early evening hours on September 21st that Mission RCMP Detachment were first made aware of the possibility that a two year old girl was missing. A subsequent search in the immediate area of the residence in which she had been staying resulted in the body of a small girl being located. This has resulted in Shawn MacKinaw, 21 years, being charged with Improperly Interfering with Human Remains, Contrary to Section 182 of the Criminal Code of Canada. File #Mission 2002-13074 July 22, 2002
VIOLET DELORES HEREMAN
On July 10, 2002 Violet Delores Herman, 39, walked alone down the back lane of the 100 block of W. Pender toward the rear entrance of 133 W. Pender St. Moments later, she was brutally murdered and left to die alone at the rear exit of the building. July 10, 2002 MORE: A killing at Pendera
MARLON MITCHELL
Mission RCMP attended a 9-1-1 call in the evening of July 9th, 2002 in the 37200 blk of Lougheed Highway. Subsequent search of the area resulted in the body of a male being located near Norrish Creek Road. Christopher Richard Gardiner, 49, was formally charged with Second Degree Murder and appeared before a Justice of the Peace. The deceased is Marlon Mitchell, 44 years old who resided at the Lake Errock area, east of Mission. The cause of death was as a result of gunshot wounds. File #Mission 2002-9269 July 9, 2002
MARNI DAME
On July 2, 2002 Surrey RCMP were called to a home in the Fleetwood area for a report that a woman's body had been found. When officers arrived they found the body of an adult man and woman inside the home. RCMP have confirmed that 48-year-old Joseph Dame and his 38-year-old wife Marni Dame were the victims found inside the home. They both appear to have died as a result of trauma, but the causes of death are not yet being released. At this point it appears that the incident is a murder-suicide and does not appear to be random. The couple left behind two children who are being cared for by grandparents. File #Surrey 2002-69559 July 2, 2002
ROBBIE KANDOLA
Cocaine dealer Robbie Kandola is murdered by killers waiting for him as he gets out of a cab in front of his Coal Harbour apartment. Former gangster Bal Buttar said he arranged the hit because Kandola had ordered the murder of Buttar's brother Kelly six months earlier. June 23, 2003 He ran a death squad A history of organized crime in the Indo-Canadian community The roots of gang warfare
MICHAEL LY
Michael Ly, 22, was shot to death around 1pm when he and an unidentified passenger pulled a blue Mazda 323 into the parking lot at 4957 Newton St. and parked outside the east building at the Nelson Towers apartment complex. June 17, 2002
JASPAL TOOR
The body of 20-year-old Jaspal Toor was found in south Vancouver and a 26-year-old Burnaby man has been charged with second-degree murder. Police say Toor was involved in minor drug activity. According to prosecutors, Adwin Singh, the man accused of manslaughter in death of Jaspal Toor, told one of his drug runners that a Toor who had stolen heroin, cocaine and cash from him was a "glitch in the system and glitches have to be removed. Singh is on trial in B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver, charged in the death of Toor, 20, whose skeleton was found in a shallow grave in June 2003, a year after he disappeared. In his opening statement, prosecutor Mike Luchenko told Justice David Tysoe that Singh was Toor's boss in a drug operation run out of Singh's Vancouver home. June 8, 2002
JASVIR SINGH KANG
Emergency services were called to a residence in the 9200 block of 124a St with regards to a report of a 4 month old infant being found in a swimming pool. With police arriving on scene, CPR was initiated on the child who was ultimately transported to Children’s Hospital in Vancouver in critical condition. At 1:45 pm on the 7th of June, 2002 this young victim passed away. At the time, police conducted in excess of 250 neighbourhood inquiries in hopes of revealing any information with regards to the suspect. On March 12, 2007 - a charge of Second Degree Murder was sworn out pertaining to this case. Jasvinder Kang, 37, the mother of the child - was taken in to police custody. May 25, 2002 RCMP File #Surrey 2002-53198 Mom charged in the death of baby son
CRYSTAL PEGGY BAKER
On Sunday May 19th, 2002, the body of 35 year old Crystal Peggy Baker was found floating in the Fraser River, under the Port Mann Bridge. Crystal Peggy Baker was known to be a sex trade worker who resided in the municipality of Delta. The investigators have also determined that Baker was the victim of foul play, although they are confident that her untimely death is not related to the sex trade. The cause of death will not be revealed at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation. The Coquitlam Serious Crime Unit investigators believe that Crystal was murdered on the evening of April 22nd, 2002. File #Coquitlam 2002-17972
CHRISTINA LORRAINE CHRISTISON
On April 18, 2002 the Surrey RCMP were called to an apartment in North Surrey for a report of a found body. When officers arrived they found the body of Christina Lorraine Christison, a 27-year-old woman who is the victim of homicide. A Canada wide arrest warrant for second degree murder has been issued for 35-year-old Surrey resident Cyrus Thunder Crane. Crane is described as a Native male, 5'7" tall, 155 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes. File #Surrey 2002-38794 April 18, 2002
RICHARD DANIEL LOF
A young man is dead after a shooting incident inside an exotic dancer's bar. On April 5, 2002 the Surrey RCMP received a flood of 911 calls with callers reporting gunshots inside Delanie's Pub in Newton. 30-year-old Richard Daniel Lof was killed by a stray bullet after three Indo-Canadian men began shooting after being kicked out of Delanie's. April 5, 2002 On April 8th, 2002 Jagrup Singh a 26-year-old Surrey man was arrested without incident by members of the Surrey RCMP's Serious Crimes Section in connection with the April 5th shooting death of Richard Daniel Lof. Charges of second degree murder, possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm while prohibited have been laid in Surrey Provincial Court File #Surrey 2002-34333 April 5, 2002
AYTON UNGER & SIMON FEATHERSTON
Ayton Unger & Simon Featherston ,16, were back seat passengers when the 5.0 Litre Mustang owned and driven by Devon Heath, 16,. crashed into the ditch on 264th St. File #Langley 2002-10279 April 5, 2002
GURJINDER SINGH SIDHU
Two killers lying in ambush in the victim's house gunned down Gurjinder Singh Sidhu in the 11600-block of 81st Avenue on April 1, 2002. Neighbours say Sidhu and his wife of two weeks arrived home to find the two attackers waiting for them. Sidhu ran for his life, but his assailants ran him down and murdered him in the street. Three men have been found guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting death of North Delta school teacher Gary Sidhu, 27. But Delta police believe the person who ordered the contract killing is still at large. Gurkirpal Singh "Paul" Khela, 25, Jodh Singh Sahota, 24, and Trevor James Meir, 27, will serve life sentences with no eligibility for parole for 25 years. A fourth man, John David Bride, 23, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the case last November. Sidhu was apparently friends with Sarbjit Singh Dhanda who was sentenced to eight years in prison for the 2001 shooting death of Kamalbir Jawanda. . Buttar says Sidhu, along with his friends Rick Bhatti and Ned Mander, were killed over a heroin smuggling scheme that went bad. April 1, 2002 He ran a death squad A history of organized crime in the Indo-Canadian community
JASKARAN SINGH CHIMA
New Westminster police discover the body of 25-year-old Jaskaran Singh Chima in a burning car under the Alex Fraser Bridge. Chima was a known drug dealer. Buttar admits he arranged the hit on Chima who he believed was involved in his brother Kelly's December 2001 murder. NWPS file: 02-06217 March 18, 2002 He ran a death squad A history of organized crime in the Indo-Canadian community
MANMIT SINGH SOMAL
A Grade 12 student at Winston Churchill Secondary, was found in the parking lot of the Grand Taj Banquet hall on March 15th where a fund raising event was taking place. An autopsy has determined that he died from severe trauma to his head. On Monday March 18th, a 17-year-old Vancouver youth turned himself in at the front counter of the Vancouver Police Department. On March 27th, a 17-year-old Vancouver youth turned himself in at the front counter of the Surrey RCMP in the presence of his father. This arrest comes after two 17-year-olds and Kanverjit Singh Sahota, 18, have been charged with second degree murder in relation to this death. File #Surrey 2002-26573 March 15, 2002
CHRISTOPHER COREY LESNIAK
Coquitlam RCMP received a call that a male had been shot and was unconcious at a basement suite located at 708 Alderson Avenue. Ambulance personnel transported Christopher Corey Lesniak, 21, to Royal Columbian Hospital where he was pronounced as deceased. Coquitlam RCMP members arrested 24-year-old Kenneth Michael Knutson on a Canada Wide Warrant. Knutson is currently in custody at the RCMP Coquitlam Detachment and will appear before the Courts this afternoon, charged with 2nd Degree Murder. File #Coquitlam 2002-9687 March 15, 2002
JASON WILLIAM VICROE
Shortly before 2:00 on the morning of March 3, 2002 a fight broke out inside the common area of a rooming house in the 10700 block of King George Highway. One man was stabbed during the fight and managed to flee from the building and cross King George Highway before collapsing in front of the RCMP's City Center District Office. The victim, Jason William Vicroe, 27, of Surrey, died in the arms of an RCMP officer as the Mountie tried to give first aid treatment.. Charges of second degree murder have been laid in Surrey Provincial Court against Ramon Ernesto Aburto, 24. File #Surrey 2002-22100 March 3, 2002
NAME NOT RELEASED
Charges of second degree murder have been laid in connection with the March 2nd homicide of a 67-year-old woman in a Newton basement suite. The victim's 71-year-old husband has now been charged in Surrey Provincial Court. The family of the deceased has requested that the RCMP not release the names of either the deceased or accused.. File #Surrey 2002-21791 March 2, 2002
MALKIT SINGH MANHAS
On February 23, 2002 Malkit Manhas, 58, was shot to death at his home in the 11700 block of 86th Avenue, Delta, BC. His estranged wife Gurcharn Kaur Manhas is the sister of Babar Khalsa founder Talwinder Singh Parmar.
MICHELLE WARING & JIMMY DIETER SAWATZKY
Shortly before 3 pm Coquitlam RCMP were alerted that a woman in distress was screaming outside an apartment complex in the 2200 block of McAllister Avenue. Police arrived at 2232 McAllister Ave. in Port Coquitlam and discovered two bodies, one 30 year old male and one 36 year old female. Both apparently the victims of homicide. Anthony Robert Bakker of no fixed addressed is accused of murdering 37-year-old Michelle Waring and 30-year-old Jimmy Dieter Sawatzky. File #Coquitlam 2002-222 & File #Coquitlam 2002-6974 Feb. 22, 2002
MARK STUART TWYFORD
On February 15, 2002 a Vancouver man called the Surrey RCMP to report a suspicious object that he had found in the Nicomekl River while he was mountain biking in the area. When officers arrived they pulled they body of a Caucasian male from the river who appears to be at least 40-years-old. The male was wrapped so that his body could not be seen and he is believed to be the victim of foul play. The identity of the man has now been confirmed as 56-year-old Langley resident Mark Stuart Twyford. Twyford was retired and lived alone in an apartment. He was reported missing on February 9th by family members, but since he didn't stay in frequent contact with his family it is not known when he actually went missing. File #Surrey 2002-16450 Feb. 15, 2002
GARY HENRY BLACKBURN
On February 14, 2002 Richmond RCMP attended 8771 # 5 Road and found the body of a 52 year old caucasian male. Blackburn was found on the front porch by his adult son. Blackburn was the victim of a shooting. File #Richmond 2002-5237 February 14, 2002
Joint Missing Women Task Force held a media briefing
The following information was provided at the briefing.
-The investigation is proceeding in a careful and deliberate way.
- We will not discuss any details pertaining to the operation or the investigation. We can say that all information received on this case, including received in past years, has been well shared and has been acted on. We can't go any further than that.
- We can tell you that a toll free tip line is still in place for anyone who wants to pass on information to investigators. That number is 1-877-687-3377.
- There have been reports in the news media about certain specific articles found at the site. We will not confirm the accuracy of that reporting. What we will say is that everything that has been and will be found is being closely examined for evidentiary value.
- At this time, no charges have been laid with respect to the missing women case. One of the co-owners of the farm property, Robert William Pickton, is scheduled to appear in court on February 28th on weapons charges. Those charges are the result of an initial search warrant executed on his residence.
- You will also notice additional police resources being brought in to patrol the perimeter of the fence erected by police. Those resources are required because of the scope of the property and the importance of ensuring the area remains protected.
- In addition, the roadway where many of you are now currently parked will cleared of vehicles for safety reasons. We suggest you consider parking in this area. Feb. 8, 2002
CARMELA CUSANO
On January 25 RCMP responded to a 911 call from a residence in the 1600 block of Mahon Avenue. A male caller asked for police and then hung up. On arrival at the residence, the 67 year old male suspect met police at the door and led them to the mid 61 year old female who was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim appeared to have suffered from severe head trauma and the weapon is believed to be a blunt instrument. The weapon has been recovered. The suspect was arrested without incident and taken to Lions Gate Hospital for treatment of his injuries. It is unclear at this time as to how he suffered his injuries. The family does not have a history with the police and the motive is unclear at this time. Michele Cusano, age 67 years old, of North Vancouver has been charged with one count of second degree murder in the death of his wife of forty years, Carmela. File #North Vancouver 2002-2315 Jan. 25, 2002
PHOUVONG PHOMMAVISET
Richmond - On January 2, 2002, at about 0700 hrs, Richmond RCMP received a call about a body, in the area of River Road, east of No 8 Road. The body was discovered by Richmond Fire-Rescue, who were in the area dealing with a fire. The burnt remains appear to be of an Asian male, possibly in his 20's. The body of Richmond's first murder of 2002 has been identified as Phouvong Phommaviset, 26, Vancouver, B.C. Phommaviset was a suspect in the disappearance of Narinder (Ned) Mander. File #Richmond 2002-149 Jan. 2, 2002 A history of organized crime in the Indo-Canadian community