Homicide investigators are looking into Surrey’s first two homicides of 2026 – which happened on back-to-back days this week.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has now publicly identified the victims in both killings.
On Monday, Jan. 12, Naseem Mohammed, 27, was found by Surrey firefighters while they were fighting an early-morning fire in a home in the 12700-block of 56 Avenue, in the Panorama Ridge neighbourhood. Police say Mohammed was known to police and believed to be associated with the B.C. gang conflict.
On Tuesday, Jan. 13, shortly after noon, Surrey Police Service (SPS) officers responded to calls of a man lying on the roadside in the 3500-block of 176 Street. Upon arrival, members located a man apparently suffering from gunshot wounds. Surrey Fire Services and BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) attended, and the man was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene.
Shortly after 11 a.m. that same day, SPS officers responded to a report of a vehicle fire around the 18900 block of 40 Avenue, which is believed to be related.
IHIT has now identified the victim as 46-year-old Baljinder “Binder” Singh Garcha of Surrey.
“It remains very early on in this investigation,” said Cpl. Sukhi Dhesi, media relations officer for IHIT, in a press release. “Based on initial investigative steps, investigators do not believe there is a connection to the B.C. gang conflict and are working diligently to understand the circumstances that led to the death of Mr. Garcha. We are asking anyone with information to please come forward and speak with investigators.”
Investigators are looking for anyone with information, CCTV or dash camera footage from 18900 block of 40 Avenue, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., or from the 3500 block of 176 Street between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Jan. 13, to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Investigators will be providing more information at a media availability on Wednesday afternoon (Jan. 14).
More to come.