The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has arrested a 20-year old man in relation to the stabbing death of Ethan Bespflug in a Surrey bus. On April 16, 2023, IHIT officers located and arrested 20-year old Kaiden Mintenko in relation to the homicide.
On April 17, 2023, the British Columbia Prosecution Service (BCPS) laid a charge of second degree murder against Mintenko, who remains in custody. “We would like to thank all members of the public who provided information that helped advance this investigation,” says Sergeant Timothy Pierotti of IHIT. “Though we are still working to determine the exact nature of the relationship between Bespflug and Mintenko, we can confirm that this was not a random attack.”
On April 11, at 9:23 pm, Surrey RCMP responded to a report of a young man suffering from life threatening injuries resulting from a stabbing in the 9900-block of King George Boulevard.
Surrey RCMP officers responded along with BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) and emergency first aid was provided. Sadly, the victim, later identified as Ethan Bespflug of Abbotsford, died as a result of his injuries shortly after being transported to hospital.
IHIT took conduct of the investigation and has been working closely in partnership with the Surrey RCMP Detachment, Metro Vancouver Transit Police, BC Coroners Service and the RCMP Integrated Forensic Identification Section to advance the investigation.
IHIT is asking that any witnesses who have any information and have yet to speak with police regarding the incident, to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
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