New charges laid in Lynn Valley stabbing spree case

NORTH VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — New charges have been laid in connection to the Lynn Valley Library stabbing tragedy that left a woman dead, and six more hurt.

On March 27, 2021, seven people were attacked inside the busy library on a Saturday afternoon.

One woman in her 20s, whose identity has not been released, died from her injuries.

Yannick Bandaogo has now been charged with five additional counts of attempted murder and one count of aggravated assault.

Those hurt in the violent attack included one man and five women between the ages of 22 and 78.

Among them is a North Vancouver secondary teacher, who suffered wounds to her head and hands when she tried to defend another woman from the attacker.

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The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team did not provide any details into a possible motive to the stabbing.

The charges are in addition to one second degree murder charge against Bandaogo which was laid in March. He was arrested at the scene and had to undergo surgery for self-inflicted wounds.

People lay flowers to honour the victims in the Lynn Valley stabbing in March.

The 28-year-old is known to police, and will make a court appearance Oct. 6.

“No further details will be released as the matter is now before the court,” investigators said in a statement Wednesday.

“This was a tragic incident that has shaken all of us and we share the families and community’s grief and outrage. We want to acknowledge all the first responders and commend the civilians who cared for the injured. These additional charges are a result of the dedication and perseverance of the investigating officers and is a testament to the partnership IHIT has with the North Vancouver RCMP and the Lynn Valley community,” said Detective Cpl. Sukhi Dhesi in a news release.

The close-knit community organized a memorial for the victims following the attack, as well as laid flowers at the site of the stabbing.

A local artist collaborated with the community to revive a sense of love and positivity to the Lynn Valley Library (Courtesy Instagram @happysewlucky)

In July, a local artist unveiled a new art project to bring love back into the library. Called “Lynn Valley LOVE Project,” Modern quilter, Berene Campbell was motivated to ensure the community remembers, and heals.

The Lynn Valley Public Library has since been reopened.

– With files from Nikitha Martins