15-year-old murdered in downtown Vancouver, police say

A 15-year-old boy is dead and Vancouver police are now searching for his killer.

A 15-year-old boy was stabbed to death during a “violent altercation” in downtown Vancouver Saturday night, according to authorities.

The victim was found on Howe Street near the Vancouver Law Courts complex by a passerby who called 911 around 11:40 p.m., according to the Vancouver Police Department.

“When our officers arrived, the victim was seriously injured and we, along with other first responders, provided emergency first aid. He was ultimately taken to hospital where, sadly, he died early Sunday morning,” spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison said at a news conference Monday, noting that police are not releasing the teen’s name at this time.

“We extend our condolences to the victim’s family, friends and others who are impacted by his death. Whenever somebody dies it’s a tragedy…but that tragedy and that impact is magnified when we’re talking about somebody who is still a child.”

No arrests have been made, and Addison would not say if a suspect or suspects have been identified by investigators.

The incident led to Robson Square and surrounding streets being draped in police tape. More than a dozen officers remained at the scene Sunday morning, and a police drone was seen surveying the area from above.

• Related: ‘Serious incident’ in Downtown Vancouver under investigation

Police remained tight-lipped until Monday afternoon, saying only that they were investigating a serious incident.

“In a homicide investigation, we have to be thorough and methodical about how we release information and what we share so that we don’t disrupt an investigation or hamper an investigation,” Addison said when asked about the lack of details provided previously.

“We always try to provide as much information as possible, as quickly as possible – which is what we’ve done in this case. We’re always mindful not to share information or say anything that could negatively impact our ability to secure evidence or identify a suspect.”

The VPD is now asking witnesses and anyone else who can help advance the investigation to contact investigators.

“There’s likely people out there who know what happened, who have important information. We’re asking them to do the right thing, to come forward and to speak to the police,” Addison said.

Police are also appealing to anyone who was driving in the area and may have “unknowingly” captured dash-cam video of the incident or the moments before and after.

Addison said the area would have seen a relatively high volume of traffic, as crowds moved through downtown following the Celebration of Light – but stressed there is no known connection between the event and the homicide.

Specifically, police are looking for video captured from between Georgia and Smithe streets (north and south) and Howe and Hornby streets (east and west) between 11:30 and 11:45 p.m. Saturday.

CCTV video from nearby buildings will also be reviewed as part of the investigation, Addison confirmed.

“We’re working, actively working, to locate the person or people who are responsible, to identify them and to find answers and accountability. Our focus right now is on solving this crime,” he said.

Those who can assist the investigation are urged to call the Vancouver police homicide tip line at 604-717-2500.