Vancouver’s 13th homicide victim of 2022 is a 30-year-old man from Burnaby

A 30-year-old man from Burnaby, B.C. has become Vancouver’s 13th homicide victim of 2022.

Kevin Liew was found badly injured near the Burnaby Hospital on Nov. 17, and died of his injuries Monday at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, according to Vancouver police.

Officers investigating the tragedy have been seen going in and out of a home at Renfrew Street and East 8th Avenue in Vancouver for more than a week. Burnaby RCMP have guarded the scene as well.

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Police said Wednesday they believe Liew sustained his fatal injuries in the abandoned house.

“We don’t believe this was a random crime and we also don’t believe the public is at risk,” Const. Tania Visintin said in a news conference.

“There is evidence that indicates the victim knew who his attackers were. No charges have been laid and the investigation remains ongoing.”

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A heavy police presence was observed at the house on Tuesday night. Officers conducted an hours-long grid search of the property, which at times, has been surrounded by yellow police tape.

Police have released a photo of Liew, taken on Nov. 14 at a SkyTrain station in Burnaby, in the hopes it leads to information that could help solve the case.

“Also, we’re asking anyone who lives in the area of 8th and Renfrew who may have seen anything suspicious,” said Visintin.

“If neighbours saw people who are coming and going, even something as little as a description of people who are coming and going, we want those people to call our investigators.”

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Visintin said Liew had lived in San Francisco for “quite some time,” but had family in Burnaby. He was home for a visit a few days before he died, which is when the security photo was captured.

“This will be a very long investigation,” she added. “We want to speak to anyone that knew him, we’re still trying to find out who he was associated with, what he was doing.”

Investigators do not believe the killing was gang-related, said Visintin.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Vancouver police at 604-717-2500.