Teen identified as victim of suspected gang-related killing in Surrey, B.C.

The deceased was identified as 18-year-old Gaurav Deol of Surrey. (Handout)

Homicide investigators have identified the victim of a fatal weekend shooting in Surrey, B.C., as an 18-year-old man.

Surrey police responded to reports of shots fired near 138 Street and 62 Avenue in the city’s Newton neighbourhood at approximately 12:22 a.m. Sunday.

Officers arrived to find a man suffering from gunshot wounds inside a vehicle that had crashed into a utility pole. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

On Tuesday, the Lower Mainland’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team named the deceased as Gaurav Deol, a Surrey resident, saying the release of the 18-year-old’s identity is intended to further the investigation.

Authorities believe the slaying was a targeted incident linked to gang activity.

About 25 minutes after the shooting, police received reports of a vehicle fire in the 10600 block of Salisbury Drive. Investigators believe the burned white Toyota SUV was used in the shooting, the homicide team said.

“This is a tremendously difficult time for the victim’s family, and IHIT investigators are working with them to understand his lifestyle and activities leading up to the shooting,” Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT said in a statement.

“A lot of work is underway as we continue an extended canvass for witnesses and video at both the shooting and arson scenes.”

Investigators are asking anyone with information or surveillance video from the area to contact IHIT at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or [e-mail].

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