Update: January 9, 2018
Vancouver Police are appealing to the public for additional information about two attacks in Stanley Park that occurred almost a year ago. Detectives have made significant progress in the cases, but are aware that there are witnesses who visit the park at night, who have additional information relating to both cases and are asking these people to contact the police.
On Wednesday, November 16th, 2016, just after 2 a.m., a citizen driving past the north parking lot of Brockton Oval in Stanley Park observed an 82-year-old man alone in his car in apparent distress. Officers arrived to find the man suffering from serious, traumatic injuries. The elderly man is still recovering and is cooperating with the police investigation.
Less than three months after the incident at Brockton Oval, 61-year-old Lubomir “Lubo” Kunik was on the seawall between Second and Third beaches in Stanley Park when he was attacked and killed. His body was located shortly before 11 p.m. on Wednesday, February 1st, by a man walking his dog on the beach.
Detectives from the VPD’s Homicide Unit have made headway in the investigations and both remain active. Although these attacks in Stanley Park appear random, significant progress has been made in identifying those responsible. Detectives are aware that people with direct knowledge relating to the attacks have not yet come forward and are once again appealing for them to do so.
“Our investigators have spoken with frequent visitors to the park and people living in the West End,” says VPD Constable Jason Doucette. “We know there are lots of rumours out there about the attacks, especially amongst those who visit the trails at night. Rumour or not, we are asking people to come forward with any information they have about either of these incidents.”
Police are encouraging those who choose to visit Stanley Park at night to not do so alone, and to report any suspicious behaviour to 9-1-1 immediately. The VPD are also asking for anyone who has any information about either of these incidents to call detectives at 604-717-2500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
