Vancouver homicide investigators probing death of 92-year-old man

Homicide detectives in Vancouver are investigating the death of a 92-year-old man who was found injured on the Downtown Eastside last month.

Homicide detectives in Vancouver are investigating whether a 92-year-old man, who died after he was found injured last month in a Downtown Eastside alleyway, was beaten to death.

The Vancouver Police Department says investigators have identified several suspects who are believed to have assaulted the victim, but it remains unclear whether those assaults caused the senior’s death.

“We have confirmed the victim in this case was assaulted by multiple people prior to his death,” Const. Tania Visintin said in a statement on Thursday. “Our investigation is focused on if those assaults contributed to his death.”

Police say the victim, who was a Chinatown resident, was found in medical distress in an alley behind the Carnegie Community Centre, near Main and East Hastings streets, on March 18.

He was transported to hospital, where he died on March 31, the statement said.

The VPD homicide unit is asking anyone with information related to the incident to come forward.

“We share the community’s grief over this loss of life and we understand there are many questions,” Visintin said.

“Information about this death will undoubtedly impact people’s sense of safety and community in Chinatown. Although it will take time, we are committed to finding all of the answers.”