Vancouver: Police say a suspect has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of a man in Chinatown, following a five-week investigation.
“This violent offence caused significant concern about crime and public safety in the neighbourhood,” says Constable Tania Visintin.
“Our homicide team worked quickly to collect key evidence that led to the arrest of the suspect, and we hope this arrest will restore a sense of ease in the area,” she adds.
Victim Nikolai Sugak, 32, was discovered gravely injured near West Pender and Carrall Street shortly after midnight on February 6. Despite emergency medical attention, he died a short time later.
Police say they believe Sugak was stabbed by a stranger in nearby Shanghai Alley before walking out into the street and collapsing.
“We have found no evidence that the victim and his attacker knew each other or had any prior interactions before the murder,” adds Constable Visintin. “We believe they were strangers,” she says.
BC Prosecution Service has approved one count of second-degree murder against 30-year-old Jaal Routh Kueth, who is from Surrey.
Kueth remains in custody.