Vancouver police investigating Downtown Eastside homicide

Vancouver police are investigating after a man died following a stabbing in the city's Downtown Eastside last week. As Jack Morse reports, police did arrest two suspects, but they’ve been released pending further investigation.

By Charlie Carey

Posted June 17, 2024 11:07 am.

Last Updated June 17, 2024 7:09 pm.

A man has died after allegedly being stabbed in the Downtown Eastside on Wednesday afternoon, the Vancouver Police Department says.

The incident happened just after 1 p.m. on June 12, police say, when officers responded to “reports of a man in medical distress” near Gore Avenue and East Pender Street.

Investigators believe the man was stabbed during an “altercation” two blocks away at East Hastings and Dunlevy streets.

Police have identified the victim as 40-year-old William James Coffin.

“Two suspects were identified and arrested June 12 in East Vancouver. The suspects have been released from custody while further investigation takes place,” Sgt. Steve Addison said Monday.

Anyone with information about the stabbing is being urged to contact the VPD Homicide Unit at 604-717-2500.

CityNews has reached out to the VPD for more information.

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