Suspects sought in Surrey Sikh leader’s killing: IHIT

Homicide investigators are looking for help identifying two suspects in connection with Sunday’s fatal shooting of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey.

In an update Wednesday, Sgt. Timothy Pierotti with the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) says the two suspects are described as “heavier-set males” and were seen running away from the area.

He adds they were also wearing face coverings, and says they fled southbound on 122 Street and through Cougar Creek Park.

“It’s believed that the suspects may have had a vehicle waiting for them in the area of 121 Street and 68th Avenue. It’s believed that the suspects and their vehicle may have been in that area for at least an hour prior to the homicide,” he said. 

Map showing possible suspect movement following shooting based off of information provided by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.
(CityNews Image)

No arrests have been made in connection with the case, Pierotti adds, and investigators are still looking into potential motive.

“It’s still early in the investigation, we’re open to any potential motive at this time. We’re speaking with all of our partners and we’re obviously looking to speak to any witnesses,” he said.

Related articles: 

• Surrey Sikh leader’s killing: evidence, not speculation, will lead to motive, IHIT says

• Surrey Sikh gurdwara president shot, killed: IHIT

The shooting of the president of the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple has prompted safety concerns, but Pierotti assures Surrey is a safe community.

“When an event like this happens, particularly in a popular area, a place of worship, it does bring fear to a community,” he said.

“Things like this unfortunately do happen all over British Columbia. But for the residents of Surrey, they are safe right now.”

Premier David Eby spoke on the same topic on Monday.

“When I look at the speculation that’s happening right now about the motivation behind the shooting and why it happened and all these kinds of things, I think it’s important to have confidence in the police investigation,” stressed Eby. “We don’t want people with access to guns that are willing to engage in violence like this to be in our community. So, finding those people, getting them arrested, and getting them behind bars is a huge priority.”

IHIT appeals for dash cam footage, witnesses

“IHIT is still working to identify and speak with individuals that were at the gurdwara or in the area on the evening of June 18th,” Pierotti added.

He says investigators are also asking those who may have dash cam footage in the area to come forward.

“Vehicles such as Teslas have excellent cameras that are capable of recording movements in their surrounding area even if the vehicle’s turned off and no one is inside the vehicle. We believe that not only may the occupants of these vehicles have been witnesses to the homicide of Mr. Nijjar, but the vehicle itself may have recorded critical evidence that could help advance our investigation,” he said.

IHIT is asking anyone with information to 1-877-551-4448.

-With files from Sonia Aslam and Charlie Carey