man dies after assault in DTES

Vancouver police are seeking multiple suspects after a 92-year-old man died of his injuries following an assault in the city’s Downtown Eastside last month.

The VPD says the man, a Chinatown resident, was found in medical distress behind Carnegie Community Centre on the afternoon of March 18.

He was taken to hospital by paramedics, where he died 13 days later.

“VPD’s Homicide Unit initiated an investigation after the man’s death was reported to police. Investigators have identified several suspects and are looking for anyone with information to come forward,” said a police statement Thursday.

Const. Tania Visintin tells 1130 NewsRadio that at the time of the man’s discovery, “nothing criminal” appeared to be happening.

“But after he died, further evidence arose that it could be criminal in nature, so our homicide unit initiated an investigation immediately, and now we’re looking for anyone to come forward that has information,” said Visintin.

Details are limited, but Visintin says police know multiple people were present.

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

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Vancouver Police Homicide Unit at 604-717-2500.

—With files from Srushti Gangdev