Canada gang violence: 2 teens killed in targeted attack in Punjabi-dominated Newton neighbourhood

In a targeted gang-related shooting in Canada’s Surrey city, two boys aged 16 and 18 were shot dead inside an underground parking lot in Newton neighbourhood, dominated by Punjabis, on Sunday night.

The police and Canadian media have not revealed their identities. However, community sources said the two were believed to be of Punjabi origin.

According to the Surrey Police Service, officers responded to reports of gunfire around 10 pm on May 10 in the 7000-block of 133B Street near 70 Avenue. They found the victims suffering from gunshot wounds.

Despite life-saving efforts by police officers and paramedics, both teenagers were pronounced dead at the scene.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has taken over the probe, and confirmed that the double homicide was targeted and linked to the ongoing gang conflict in British Columbia. Both victims, residents of Surrey, are believed to have had connections to organised crime.

Global News reported that a grey four-door sedan was later found burned near Enver Creek School in the area of 144 Street and 84 Avenue. Investigators suspect the vehicle may be connected to the incident.

IHIT spokesperson Sgt Freda Fong said the shooting had left two families grieving the loss of “young lives taken far too soon”.

Police have appealed to the public for dashcam footage or any information from the area between 9 pm and 11 pm on May 10.

This incident is the latest in a series of gang-related violence in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, where several cases involving Punjabi-origin youth have come to light in recent times.

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has expressed concern over the rising violence and called for stronger anti-gang measures.

No arrests have been made so far. IHIT has urged anyone with information to contact investigators at 1-877-551-IHIT or via email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.