Lovepreet Singh Dhaliwal, 24, was Friday night’s homicide victim in Abbotsford

THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team on Saturday identified Friday night’s homicide victim as 24-year-old Lovepreet Singh Dhaliwal of Abbotsford in order to further their investigation.

Police said it is still early in the investigation but investigators believe Dhaliwal’s murder was targeted.

IHIT tweeted the name as “Lovepreet “Jason” Dhaliwal,” but did not mention the “Jason” part of the name in their press release. IHIT spokespersons need to do a better job with their press statements. Often they leave out details just to appear later on TV to give out more information.

IHIT later said at a press conference that Dhaliwal was trying to leave a criminal lifestyle. But that piece if information was left out in the press statement.

On January 19, at 6:30 p.m., the Abbotsford Police Department received multiple calls of shots fired in the area of Ridgeview Drive and Promontory Court. Police arrived on scene to find a man with gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced dead at scene and IHIT was called in.

A black Acura TL (see stock photograph) was identified leaving the scene immediately after the shooting. A vehicle matching that description was later found burnt in Langley in the 22300-block of 61st Avenue. Investigators say they would like to speak with anyone that has information regarding this vehicle.

IHIT continues to work closely with its partners from the Abbotsford Police Department and the B.C. Coroner’s Service to gather evidence.

IHIT Cpl. Frank Jang said: “There are people who knew Mr. Dhaliwal that may have information that could help us solve his murder. I urge these individuals to come forward and speak with IHIT.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551- IHIT (4448), or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Incidentally, two years ago, on September 2, 2015, innocent bystander Ping Shun Ao, 74, was killed after what police believe was a targeted shooting in his neighbour’s driveway in the same area of 3500-block of Promontory Court in Abbotsford where Friday’s homicide occurred. Police said at the time that the targeted persons are “well known to police.” They were South Asian, as The VOICE reported back then.