Vancouver police said charges against Francois Joseph Gauthier, 51 have been approved Saturday by the BC Prosecution Service following a Vancouver Police investigation into Harpreet “Harb” Dhaliwal’s homicide in Coal Harbour last weekend. Dhaliwal, 31, was pronounced dead on scene after first responders were unsuccessful in reviving him. Gauthier has been charged with one count of first degree murder and one count of possess a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm without being the holder of authorization or a license under which he may possess the firearm. Gauthier remains in custody until his next court appearance.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff With News Files

VANCOUVER – Vancouver police have arrested and charged a man with first degree murder in the gangland killing of former Brothers Keeper member Harpreet “Harb” Dhaliwal.

VPD said charges against Francois Joseph Gauthier, 51 have been approved Saturday by BC Prosecution Service following a Vancouver Police investigation into Dhaliwal’s homicide in Coal Harbour last weekend.

Police responded to calls of shots fired outside Cardero’s restaurant around 8:30 p.m. on April 17.  Dhaliwal, 31, was pronounced dead on scene after first responders were unsuccessful in reviving him.

Gauthier has been charged with one count of first degree murder and one count of possess a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm without being the holder of authorization or a license under which he may possess the firearm.

Gauthier remains in custody until his next court appearance.

Gang violence has been on the rise this year in Metro Vancouver with 15 gangland murders so far in 2021 but after Dhaliwal’s murder, the bloodshed is about to get even more nastier with two gangland style murders already since the Dhaliwal killing in downtown Vancouver on Saturday night.

“We continue to believe this incident was a targeted killing and that Dhaliwal was the intended victim,” says Sergeant Steve Addison, VPD. “While we don’t think there is an immediate risk to the public, it is always shocking and unnerving when gun violence takes place in such a busy, public place.

Police from across Metro Vancouver gathered to give an update on escalating gun violence Thursday following the region's third shooting death in less than a week.

The latest murder victim, who was gunned down in broad daylight outside a popular recreation centre in Langley on Wednesday, was identified by police as 46-year-old Todd Gouwenberg, reported CTV News.

Gouwenberg had significant criminal connections, including to the notorious United Nations gang, according to the B.C.'s anti-gang task force, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit.

 “His involvement in gangs spans almost 20 years,” CFSEU Asst. Commissioner Manny Mann told reporters.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team confirmed that Gouwenberg, who lived in Langley, was an MMA fighter before his death.

Gouwenberg is the third person to be killed in Metro Vancouver since Saturday, though his death is not believed to be connected to the other two murders.

Dhaliwal’s death is also believed to be gang-related.

Bailey McKinney is the youngest of the recent victims. The 20-year-old, who was known to police, died after being shot at a basketball court in Coquitlam

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said it's still trying to determine a motive, including whether gang activity may have been involved.

There have been 15 gang-related murders in B.C. so far this year, a number that is concerning to police. They say “suppression efforts” and patrols will be increased around the Lower Mainland.

As for what is causing the increase, CFSEU believes some of the violence is linked to previous conflicts that have been ongoing for decades, but there are several other factors at play.

“New and quickly changing alliances and allegiances, family connections, competition over drug lines, backstabbing, and debt collection,” Mann said.

Police are also asking for assistance from the public when it comes to suspicious vehicles in their neighbourhood, given the increase in getaway vehicles being burned after murders.

“If you see a suspicious vehicle in your neighbourhood that has gas canisters in it and you don’t recognize it, call us,” Supt. Lisa Byrne with the Vancouver Police Department said.

The Brothers Keepers have been in conflict with the UN as well as the Kang/Red Scorpion gang for the past several years, reported CTV News.

Homicide detectives continue to investigate. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the tip line at 604-717-2500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.