The victims of last week’s double shooting homicide in Richmond have been named.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) announced on Tuesday that 23-year-old Kevin Allaraj, and 22-year-old Jeevan Saepan were shot and killed on Ackroyd Road on Saturday.
Both, say police, were from the Lower Mainland and known to police, who added that it appears that the shooting was targeted and connected to gang activities.
The double homicide took place at around 11 a.m. on Saturday on Ackroyd Road, between No. 3 Road and Minoru Boulevard.
Richmond Mounties arrived at the scene to find the two deceased victims who both suffered gunshot wounds.
Around 20 police vehicles raced to the scene
A Richmond News reader reported seeing around 20 police vehicles in the area at noon that day.
Half an hour after the shooting, Surrey RCMP responded to a vehicle fire in the area of 114 Street and 96A Avenue.
IHIT believes the fire was connected to the shootings.
IHIT looking into victims' background
The background activities and associations of both victims are being looked into, while homicide investigators are canvassing for witnesses and video.
IHIT is seeking dashcam footage, CCTV, or witnesses from the areas around both scenes.
The scene in Richmond is specific to the 7000-block of Ackroyd Road between 9 a.m. and noon on June 4.
The scene in Surrey is specific to the 11400-block of 96A Avenue, between 10 a.m. and noon on June 4.
“This was a brazen shooting in a parkade during mid-day hours,” said Sgt. David Lee, of IHIT.
“It shows a disregard of greater public safety and that criminal activities cross city boundaries. IHIT is taking full advantage of the resources of the integrated teams and regional RCMP detachments.”
Anyone with information is being asked to call IHIT on the Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
