Man Arrested in Fatal Stabbing of Kulwinder Singh Sohi on White Rock Promenade

A 28-year-old man from Surrey, B.C. has been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of Kulwinder Singh Sohi, 26, on the White Rock promenade on April 23, 2024. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) and the Integrated Emergency Response Team made the arrest on April 24.

Sohi, a Red Seal plumber who had recently obtained permanent residency in Canada, was stabbed during an altercation with a suspect who then fled the scene. Witnesses reported seeing the incident occur around 8:30 p.m. near the totem poles on East Beach.

The stabbing was the second violent incident near the White Rock pier in a 48-hour period. On April 21, another man, Jadinder Singh, was stabbed in the neck while sitting on a bench in the same area. Police have not confirmed if the two attacks are linked, but the suspect descriptions in both cases were similar - a dark-skinned man, about 5-foot-11, wearing a hat and grey hoodie.

Why this matters: The pair of stabbings has rattled the White Rock community, with residents expressing fears about public safety in the popular seaside area. The incidents have also raised concerns in the local South Asian community, as both victims were of South Asian descent.

IHIT is still seeking witnesses and video footage from the promenade and surrounding areas on the night of Sohi's stabbing. "The investigation remains very active," said IHIT in a statement. "We are asking for anyone who was in the area of the White Rock Promenade, east of the White Rock Pier near the parking lot adjacent to the Grand Chief Bernard Robert Charles Memorial Plaza or driving on Marine Drive between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on April 23 to come forward with any information or dash camera footage."

Friends and family gathered at a vigil to remember Sohi on April 24, hours after the arrest was announced. The victim's brother described him as a "hard-working and really passionate person." A GoFundMe page set up in Sohi's memory has raised over $50,000. White Rock's mayor addressed the public safety concerns at the vigil and vowed that police were taking the investigation seriously.

The identity of the 28-year-old man arrested has not been released. It is unclear if charges have been approved or laid at this time. The Surrey Crime Prevention Society has suspended the deployment of its youth volunteers to White Rock following the stabbings as a precaution. IHIT said updates will be provided on the case as the investigation progresses.

Key Takeaways

• A 28-year-old Surrey man arrested for fatal stabbing of Kulwinder Singh Sohi.
• Sohi, a plumber, was stabbed on White Rock promenade on April 23, 2024.
• Second violent incident in 48 hours, with similar suspect descriptions.
• Stabbings have rattled the community and raised concerns in the South Asian community.
• IHIT seeking witnesses and video footage, investigation remains active.