Stabbing at Vancouver Starbucks leaves one man dead
Posted March 27, 2023 12:54 pm.
Last Updated March 28, 2023 6:48 am.
One person has been charged with second-degree murder after a stabbing at a Vancouver Starbucks Sunday.
Vancouver police say the stabbing happened around 5:40 p.m. outside the coffee shop, located in the area of West Pender and Granville streets, after a “brief altercation” between two men.
Investigators note the suspect and victim are not believed to have known each other, adding the “circumstances that led up to the fatal stabbing remain under investigation.”
Despite officers administering first aid, the victim, identified as 37-year-old Paul Stanley Schmidt, died after he was rushed to the hospital.
“We believe this homicide was witnessed by dozens of bystanders, and there may be people with information who have not yet come forward,” said Sgt. Steve Addison.
Read More: ‘Don’t share it’: Vancouver police say of downtown stabbing video
“We particularly want to hear from anyone who was present in the moments before the stabbing, or anyone who has cell phone video of the incident.”
Video of the incident has been widely shared online. The graphic footage, which CityNews has chosen not to share, also shows some onlookers going about their business instead of rushing to Schmidt’s aid as he falls to the ground.
Meanwhile, Schmidt’s wife and young daughter were reportedly at the scene as the violence unfolded.
In regards to the video, Addison urges people not to share it on social media due to it’s graphic nature. He also asks any witnesses who may have captured other video footage to bring it forward to police rather than sharing it online.
“What you have could be important evidence in this very serious case, we’re asking you to do the right thing,” Addison said.
He adds victim services are available for anyone who may be troubled or traumatized by the events that took place.
Police say a suspect, 32-year-old Inderdeep Singh Gosal, was arrested at the scene after bystanders flagged down a VPD constable in the area.
Addison says neither the suspect or victim had a significant criminal history.
The VPD is asking anyone with information about what happened to contact the Major Crime Section at 604.717.2500.
