Man shot dead near UBC golf course identified as Vishal Walia, shooting linked to gang conflict

IHIT have identified the victim of a targeted shooting on University Boulevard on the University Endowment Lands.

Sgt. Timothy Pierotti, with IHIT, says they responded to shots fired Monday and found a man suffering from gunshot wounds who later died. 

The victim has been identified as 38-year old Vishal Walia. Investigators believe this to have been a targeted shooting in relation to the lower mainland gang conflict.

Vancouver fire crews put out a vehicle fire around the same time not far from the scene of the shooting.

“IHIT is urging anyone who had contact with Mr. Walia in the days leading to his death, to please contact police, as we continue to build a timeline of events,” says Sergeant Timothy Pierotti of IHIT. “We are still appealing to anyone with dash cam video to secure the footage and to contact us immediately.”

Pierotti says any time a vehicle is on fire in proximity to a recent shooting, they'll investigate a possible link, but he says no connection has been established yet.