A man who stabbed numerous people in and around the Lynn Valley Library in North Vancouver two years ago has pleaded guilty to murder and other charges.Yannick Bandaogo pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, five charges of attempted murder and one charge of aggravated assault in connection with the March 2021 incident.
He wore a blue suit in court Monday and stood silently with his hands resting on the stand.
“It’s a result that basically was unexpected but also expected in the sense that hopefully it’s our first stone for the community as well to start the healing process, I think that’s extremely important,” Jean-Benoit Deschamps, a lawyer with Crown Counsel told Global News.
The 30-year-old had no connection to the victims and a motive has not yet been revealed.
His defence lawyer, Georges Rivard, told Global News Monday that they cannot get into the details of motive at this time but more information will likely be revealed during the sentencing.
Bandaogo has links to Quebec and has a criminal record with a history of violence in that province, according to the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.
There were five female victims and one male victim, ranging from 22 years old to 78 years old. One of the women later died from her injuries.
Bandaogo’s sentencing is scheduled for July 5 to 7 and victim impact statements will be heard at that time. He remains in custody.