Accused in North Vancouver stabbing had no ties to victims, RCMP say

NORTH VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Grief counselling has been set up for people in North Vancouver who need help coping following the horrific stabbing at the Lynn Valley Library over the weekend that left one woman dead and six other people injured.

The seven people were stabbed in and around the library early Saturday afternoon.

A woman in her 20s died, while five other women and one man were hospitalized and their stab wounds vary in severity. The victims range in age from 22 to 78 years old.

 

North Vancouver District Mayor Mike Little says grief counselling is set up at Karen Magnussen Rec Centre.

“It’s open right now. This centre is a space for the community to access services to support your mental and emotional well-being. The centre is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily for the next seven days. Grief counselors will be available on site, providing support. COVID safety protocols will be in place and PPE will be provided for people who need it,” he said.

Related articles:

• One dead after North Vancouver library stabbing, six in hospital

• Murder charge laid in North Vancouver library stabbing

• North Vancouver MLA hopes people traumatized by stabbing seek help

Yannick Bandaogo, 28, was arrested at the scene and has since been charged with second-degree murder.

Insp. Michelle Tansey with the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) says Bandaogo had no fixed address, and did not have any ties to the victims.

“We can establish that the accused was unknown and did not have any links to any of the victims, based on the information so far. The accused does have links to Quebec, and we’re still trying to determine what brought him to the West Coast,” Tansey said.

IHIT had previously said he underwent surgery for self-inflicted wounds.

“Lynn Valley Library is a peaceful place, place where our community comes together to learn and explore,” RCMP Superintendent Ghalib Bhayani said.

“There were children here on Saturday. And many of those injured have children of their own. I want you to know that your library, and your community, North Vancouver, is safe,” he added.