Two men charged in fatal attack on Vancouver senior
Posted February 3, 2021 11:18 am.
Last Updated February 3, 2021 6:24 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Two men have been arrested for the fatal attack of a 78-year-old woman in her home near Queen Elizabeth Park.
Vancouver police believe the men were able to enter Usha Singh’s home on around 6 a.m. Sunday because they were dressed as officers. Singh was taken to hospital with “grave injuries” and died Tuesday.
The 78-year-old woman in this case has died. It's now a homicide investigation. @VancouverPD still need help w/the investigation. If you know anything, have surveillance footage, etc., please call the VPD's Major Crime Sect. 604.717.2500. @NEWS1130 BG: https://t.co/wSN6kjnnrN https://t.co/NbQUa1hU7U
— Sonia Aslam (@SoniaSAslam) February 3, 2021
“This was a tragic and senseless crime that cost an innocent woman her life, and struck fear and anxiety in the community,” says VPD Sgt. Steve Addison. “Vancouver is still a safe city, and thankfully incidents like this are rare. We hope these arrests begin to restore a sense of calm and safety.”
Singh lives alone, and likely lay severely hurt in her home for several hours before a friend called police for a wellness check.
Police haven’t provided further details, such as motive or if the suspects knew the woman, though Addison told NEWS 1130 Monday that it was “a horrific and deeply disturbing crime.”
Sandy Jack Parisian, 47 – who was wanted Canada-wide for unrelated offences – was arrested near Strathcona Park, where he is believed to be a resident, Tuesday. Parisian was hurt during the arrest, which involved a police dog, and taken to hospital before he went to jail. The Independent Investigations Office was informed.
Later that evening, Pascal Jean Claude Bouthillette, 41, was arrested near Main Street and Terminal Avenue.
According to Crown Counsel, Bouthillette is charged with second-degree murder, and Parisian is charged with manslaughter in connection to Singh’s death.
Police are still gathering evidence and urge anyone with information about the attack to call the Major Crime Unit at 604-717-2500 or Crime Stoppers a 1-800-222-8477.
-with files from Denise Wong
