Vancouver – A suspect has been charged with murder in the death of multiple festival-goers at a Filipino community block party Saturday night.
Eleven people, aged 5 to 65, were killed, and more than two dozen others injured when a man drove an SUV into a crowd of people celebrating the Lapu Lapu Day festival, near Fraser Street on East 43rd Avenue.
A 30-year-old Vancouver man was arrested at the scene by Vancouver Police after bystanders and witnesses intervened to detain him.
The BC Prosecution Service has now charged Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, with eight counts of second degree murder. Lo, a Vancouver resident, has appeared in court and remains in custody. The charge assessment is ongoing and further charges are anticipated.
Some of the victims in Saturday’s mass-casualty incident remain unidentified.
VPD has established a 24-hour assistance centre at the Douglas Park Community Centre, 801 West 22nd Avenue, for anyone who has not been able to contact a friend or family member. Anyone who cannot attend in person can call 604-717-3321 to speak with a victim-liaison officer.
Witnesses who have not yet come forward are asked to contact the Vancouver Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 604-717-2500 and speak with investigators. Anyone with images or bystander video of the incident is asked to visit vpd.ca and upload it to an online portal so it can be reviewed by investigators.
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