Homicide investigators have identified the victim of a fatal shooting in Abbotsford this week as 24-year-old Alexander Blanarou.
Officers found Blanarou’s body after being called to the area of Bates and Harris roads Thursday afternoon for reports of a possible shooting. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has since taken over the case.
"Mr. Blanarou was known to police and evidence to this point suggests this was a targeted homicide," Cpl. Frank Jang said in a release.
Investigators have not confirmed if there are any connections between the case and other targeted homicides in the area.
"There are many more investigative avenues that IHIT needs to concentrate on and we are looking to speak with any witnesses who may not have already come forward to police,” Jang said.
Blanarou had no criminal convictions, but someone by that name was once charged with drug possession for the purpose of trafficking.
On Thursday night, investigators towed a vehicle from the scene. On Friday, forensics teams continued their work.
The incident has left some residents on edge.
"All of a sudden there were a bunch of cops flying down the road, stopping randomly and then backing up," one woman said.
Theresa Hargrave said some of her neighbours heard the shots but assumed they were from duck hunters in the area.
"We don't think that's unusual, but not long after that we heard the sirens," she said.
Anyone with more information is asked to contact IHIT at 1-877-551-4448 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
