A 23-year-old New Westminster man has been charged with second-degree murder for an attack police described as random and unprovoked.
Charan Dhandwar, 79, was out for walk around 6:45 p.m. on June 3 when she was attacked on Eighth Avenue between 15th and 16th streets.
Residents nearby called police immediately but Dhandwar died at the scene.
“This is a tragic and senseless loss to our community and our thoughts are with the family of the victim,” Sgt. Chad Johnston, spokesperson for the New Westminster police, told media on Thursday.
The suspect, Julien Cadrain Levasseur, was arrested at the scene shortly after police arrive, and on Friday (today) he was officially charged with second-degree murder.
In a media statement, Dhandwar’s family thanked first responders, policed, firefighters and paramedics for their quick response and for “making every effort to save her after the attack.”
“In light of the tragic event that occurred this week in which we have lost not only our mom but a wife and grandma, I want to publicly thank the members of the New Westminster community who have shown an incredible amount of support at this time of loss,” wrote a representative for the Dhandwar family.
Levasseur remains in custody at this time.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team is still looking to contact the driver of a SUV or van that hit the suspect when he was fleeing the scene. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email [email protected].
