Yannick Bandaogo was charged with second-degree murder in the killing and stabbings that took place in North Vancouver Saturday. Bandaogo’s background, history in BC and relationship to the victims, if any, is still being determined.

NORTH VANCOUVER – The man who went on a killing and stabbing spree in North Vancouver has been identified.

On Sunday, 28-year-old Yannick Bandaogo was charged with second-degree murder. His background, history in BC and relationship to the victims, if any, is still being determined.

On Saturday, March 27 at around 1:40 p.m., the North Vancouver RCMP and other emergency responders were called to the Lynn Valley library for reports of a stabbing. Officers arrived on scene to find multiple victims with stab wounds. 

Six individuals sustained stab wounds of varying severity and one woman in her late twenties succumbed to her injuries and died. The remaining victims were transported to hospital for non-life threatening emergency medical care.  Bandaogo was arrested by police at the scene and he remains in police custody.

IHIT investigators, supported by the North Vancouver RCMP Investigative Services Team, are managing priority tasks, processing the scene, conducting witness statements and completing an extensive video canvass of the area.

The BC RCMP said its priority revolves around the victims and their families, as well as the first responders who attended the scene. 

“We continue to be focussed on the broader community and working with the district team and other partners to ensure we have the appropriate level of resources and victim services available to anyone that requires that assistance,” they said.

The suspect has undergone surgery for self-inflicted wounds and is in police custody.

“This is a deeply profound and tragic incident that has shaken all of us,” says Inspector Michelle Tansey, Acting Officer-in-Charge of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team. “I commend our investigators and partners for the remarkable work they have done and continue to do under challenging circumstances. My sincere condolences to yesterday’s victims and their families and to all who have been affected by this crime.” 

“We share the community’s grief and outrage,” says Superintendent Ghalib Bhayani, Officer-in-Charge of the North Vancouver RCMP. “Lynn Valley Library is a peaceful place. A place where our community comes to learn and our children come to explore, and the RCMP is committed to keeping you safe.”

There will be no media availability today but a news conference to update the community will be held tomorrow at the Lynn Valley Library with the North Vancouver Detachment Commander Superintendent Ghalib Bhayani and Acting Officer-in-Charge of IHIT, Inspector Michelle Tansey. Mayor Mike Little from the District of North Vancouver is also expected to attend.