Johnny Steven DrynockSurrey:  Birinderjeet Bhangu was murdered while seated in his vehicle in the parking lot of the Comfort Inn Hotel in Surrey on March 13, 2017.  He was transported to hospital by police and pronounced dead later on. He was known to police.

On March 17th, 2017, exactly two months ago, IHIT released a surveillance photo of a male suspect believed to be the shooter. As a result of this, information was received that identified the suspect to be 22 year old Johnny Steven Drynock.

“Following two months of exhaustive work and intensive evidence gathering, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has received charge approval for first degree murder against Mr. Drynock,” says Staff Sergeant Jennifer Pound.

Mr. Drynock has been in custody since April 8th on an unrelated matter in Merritt, BC.  He is scheduled for his first court appearance in Surrey on May 19th, in relation to the first degree murder charge.

IHIT and Surrey RCMP recognized the need to work around the clock to locate this shooting suspect and it is as a result of police partnerships, thorough communication and extreme investigative commitment that a first degree murder charge has been secured.

IHIT will continue to collect evidence and speak with further individuals who may have knowledge about this homicide.  Further details such as motparking lotive, criminal links, or suspect/victim relationship will all be reserved for the court process ahead.

Statement on behalf of Birinder Bhangu’s family

This devastating incident is something that has changed our lives forever; it is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of our son, our brother and our friend.

Birinder was a very loving, respectful and warm hearted individual who did not deserve to be taken from us so soon in this horrendous way.

Although, Birinder’s loss will forever impact our lives in a way that even we will truly never understand, the first degree murder charge has brought a sense of relief to all of our hearts.

We would like to thank the members of the Integrated homicide investigation team and the public for all the hard work they have put into this on-going investigation since March 13, 2017.

Bringing forward these charges today on the individual responsible for this senseless act of violence, has brought some justice to Birinder’s family and loved ones.