85-year-old Burnaby man killed by stray bullet in targeted shooting

Chang Yong Cho, 85, was struck and killed by a stray bullet while inside his apartment in the 7400-block of Kingsway in Burnaby on Aug. 30, shortly after 1:30 a.m., according to the Integrated Homicide Investigative Team (IHIT). Shots had been fired near 18th Avenue and Humphries Avenue, approximately one block away. A suspect vehicle fled before police arrived, and initial investigators found no injured victims at the scene.

Cho was discovered during a welfare check requested around 4 p.m. that same day. He was pronounced dead at the scene. IHIT determined Cho was an innocent victim caught in crossfire.

"This is a heartbreaking and tragic loss of life," said Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT. "Mr. Cho was simply in his home when his life was suddenly taken, leaving behind a grieving family and loved ones."

Investigators have identified a group of youths believed to be involved or to have knowledge of the shooting. "We have been actively working to locate them to establish the roles of everyone involved," Fong said. The team is urging the youths to come forward and appealing to their parents to encourage them to do so.

Police are seeking witnesses and dashcam or CCTV footage from the area between 12:30 a.m. and 2 a.m. on Aug. 30. Anyone with information can contact IHIT at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.