Family speaks out after fatal Surrey school stabbing
Posted November 23, 2022 6:38 pm.
Last Updated November 24, 2022 9:16 am.
A Surrey family is reeling after an 18-year-old was stabbed to death outside Tamanawis Secondary School on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) revealed Mehakpreet Sethi as the victim.
Arshpreet Sethi tells OMNI News in an exclusive interview that her brother was picking up their younger brother from school to go shopping when another teen approached and stabbed him. She says her family is worried about how long it will take for the family to receive closure.
“It took one minute to end his life,” she said on Wednesday. “You can’t even tell us his identity, you can’t even tell the family of the victim about him.”
Arshpreet Sethi says her brother, Mehakpreet, was at Tamanawis Secondary School to pick up their younger brother to go shopping when he was fatally stabbed on Tuesday. (Photos supplied to CityNews)
Arshpreet says she now fears for the safety of her loved ones.
“They knew his identity. They knew that Mehakpreet was there to pick up my younger brother. What if they do something to him?”
The Sethis came to Canada five years ago. However, Arshpreet says the tragedy has made them regret the move.
Investigators arrest 17-year-old suspect
IHIT says a 17-year-old male, who is a student at the school, has been arrested in relation to the incident. Investigators believe the victim and suspect knew one another.
Sgt. Timothy Pierotti with IHIT says the incident is not believed to be a part of the ongoing Lower Mainland gang conflict.
“We know there were many students in the area around the time this tragedy took place,” said Pierotti. “If you or one of your loved ones has information that could help shed light on why this young man was killed, please contact IHIT immediately.”
Read More: Surrey school stabbing leaves 18-year-old dead
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke issued a statement on Wednesday regarding the “unsettling” incident.
“It is particularly disturbing that this violent incident occurred in the middle of the day while school was in session. As Mayor and as a mother and grandmother, my heart is with all who have been impacted by this senseless tragedy. I would like to commend Surrey RCMP for their quick response which resulted in the apprehension of the suspect,” the mayor said.
IHIT is asking that any witnesses or anyone with any information regarding the homicide to contact its Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by emailing ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
