White Rock stabbing suspect charged with 2nd-degree murder
The suspect in a pair of stabbings in White Rock last week has been charged with second-degree murder.
Dimitri Nelson Hyacinth was charged earlier this week with aggravated assault in connection to the first of two stabbings that occurred near the White Rock Pier, which happened on April 21.
During a court appearance Friday, Hyacinth was charged with second-degree murder in connection to the second stabbing, which occurred on April 23.
Hyacinth, a 27-year-old Surrey resident, was arrested on Monday in connection to the homicide. He was charged with the April 21 aggravated assault the day after his arrest. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 23.
Police said the initial attack, which injured 28-year-old Jatinder Singh, appeared to be random.
The second attack left 26-year-old Kulwinder Singh Sohi dead.
The two stabbings shocked, scared and angered the White Rock community, and the local RCMP detachment held a town hall Tuesday night to respond to concerns.
In the wake of the incidents, White Rock Mayor Megan Knight said some people in the normally quiet city were avoiding walking around the promenade or going out to area businesses out of fear.
"We totally understand," she said at a vigil in Sohi's memory last weekend.
"When you feel comfortable, come back."
In a statement announcing the murder charge Friday, Integrated Homicide Investigation Team spokesperson Sgt. Timothy Pierotti acknowledged local safety concerns.
"These events have had a significant impact on a community," Pierotti said. "I hope that today's announcement provides a further sense of relief to those who frequent the White Rock promenade."
IHIT said it's still seeking additional information related to the homicide from anyone who has it. Investigators ask anyone with information to call them at 877-551-4448 or email ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Potential tornado 'surreal' for residents who witnessed damaging storm in southern Ontario
Witnessing a potential tornado was 'surreal' for residents who caught a glimpse of the damaging storm in southern Ontario on Wednesday night.
Was this the bug that stung you? Wasp sightings revive murder-hornet concerns; no detections confirmed
As temperatures rise out of a mild El Nino winter, Canada's buggy season is already upon us again, and this year, the bugs are looking especially big.
Minister tables bill to extend citizenship rights to children born abroad
Immigration Minister Marc Miller tabled legislation today that is intended to extend citizenship to some children born outside of the country.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston, Ont.
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
Jennifer Lopez's response to question about Ben Affleck is a reminder of their decades of love in the spotlight
Plenty of people are wondering if Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are having problems in their marriage, but one person had the nerve to ask in a public forum.
U.S. Justice Department says illegal monopoly by Ticketmaster and Live Nation drives up prices for fans
The U.S. Justice Department filed a sweeping antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster and parent company Live Nation Entertainment on Thursday, accusing them of running an illegal monopoly over live events in America -- squelching competition and driving up prices for fans.
Adding just 10% ultraprocessed foods to healthy diets may raise risk of cognitive decline, stroke
Eating more ultraprocessed foods is linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and stroke, even if a person is trying to adhere to a Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet or the MIND diet, a new study found.
'Looking over our shoulders': A killing looms large in a little B.C. town
Something shifted in the pretty little village of Lumby, B.C., after Tatjana Stefanski vanished.