Vancouver Gang Associate Fatally Shot in Burnaby Public Area
A 28-year-old man from Vancouver with established gang affiliations was shot and killed in Burnaby on Thursday evening, in what authorities describe as the latest violent incident in British Columbia's intensifying gang conflict. The shooting occurred in a public location, raising significant concerns among law enforcement and community members alike.
Shooting Incident and Immediate Aftermath
Dilraj Singh Gill succumbed to his injuries at the scene after gunfire erupted near the 3700 block of Canada Way shortly before 5:30 PM. Burnaby RCMP officers responded promptly to the emergency call and discovered Gill with critical wounds. Despite immediate life-saving attempts by first responders, he could not be revived.
IHIT Sergeant Freda Fong expressed deep concern about the incident, stating, "A shooting, especially in a public place, is extremely troubling, not only for the police but for the entire community." She emphasized the importance of public cooperation and urged any witnesses or individuals with information to come forward to assist the investigation.
Connected Vehicle Fire and Gang Links
Approximately four kilometers away from the shooting location, in the 5000 block of Buxton Street, a vehicle was found burning shortly after the homicide. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has since confirmed that this torched vehicle is directly linked to Gill's killing, indicating a coordinated effort by the perpetrators.
Investigators have determined that the shooting was a targeted attack and have assured the public that there is no ongoing risk to general safety. However, they are actively seeking dashcam footage and security camera recordings from both the Canada Way and Buxton Street areas during the late afternoon and early evening hours to piece together the events.
Victim's Criminal History and Gang Affiliations
Dilraj Singh Gill had a documented history of drug-related convictions, which paint a picture of his involvement in criminal activities. Key points from his criminal record include:
- In 2021, he received concurrent sentences for trafficking offenses following a 2018 arrest in North Vancouver, where police confiscated cash, crack cocaine, and a heroin-fentanyl mixture.
- Earlier convictions included charges for fleeing police and additional drug trafficking offenses dating back to 2016, as reported by the Vancouver Sun.
Sources cited by the Vancouver Sun indicate that Gill's murder is believed to be connected to ongoing gang rivalries in the region. Specifically, it may be linked to the recent killing of Navpreet Dhaliwal in Abbotsford, who had alleged ties to the Brothers Keepers gang and had previously been the subject of a public police warning.
Court records reveal that Gill had associations with the Kang/BIBO group, which has been engaged in violent conflicts with the Brothers Keepers. This group has reportedly since merged into the UN gang, highlighting the complex and evolving nature of gang dynamics in British Columbia.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
This incident underscores the escalating gang violence in British Columbia, which has seen a series of targeted shootings and homicides in recent months. The public nature of the shooting near Canada Way has heightened community anxiety, with residents expressing concerns about safety in their neighborhoods.
Law enforcement agencies, including IHIT and Burnaby RCMP, are intensifying their efforts to combat gang-related activities and prevent further violence. They emphasize the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in reporting suspicious activities to help curb this troubling trend.
As the investigation continues, authorities are focusing on gathering evidence and analyzing connections between this killing and other recent gang-related incidents. The outcome of this probe could provide crucial insights into the ongoing gang conflicts and inform strategies to enhance public safety in the region.
