Murder charge laid after Japanese citizen fatally stabbed in Chinatown

The Vancouver Police Department says a 32-year-old man has been charged with murder in relation to a stabbing that killed a Japanese citizen in Chinatown last week.

Wataru Kakiuchi was found near Main Street and Union Street just before 3:30 a.m. on June 5 suffering from serious injuries. First responders found that the man had been stabbed, and despite attempts to save his life, Kakiuchi died at the scene.

Sgt. Steve Addison shared Wednesday that Vancouver Police officers arrested a suspect in the Downtown Eastside on Monday afternoon. Thirty-two-year-old Timothy Isborn now faces one count of second-degree murder in relation to the death of Kakiuchi.

“We thank everyone in the community for their support while we worked around the clock to collect the evidence that ultimately led to the suspect,” said Addison.

“Evidence gathered by our investigators, along with information from the public, was integral to us making this arrest.”

While Addison was unwilling to speculate on whether there was a motive behind the killing, police don’t believe Kakiuchi and the suspect knew each other prior to the incident.

The VPD is urging anyone with information about Kakiuchi’s death, who have not yet spoken to investigators, to call the VPD Homicide Unit at 604-717-2500.

Vancouver Police is set to give an update on the case at 1 p.m. Wednesday. You can watch CityNews 24/7 live or listen live to CityNews 1130 to keep up to date with this story. You can also subscribe to breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.