Men arrested in homicide-related East Vancouver kidnapping appear in court

Three men who were arrested in connection with a double homicide and kidnapping in Vancouver made a brief appearance in provincial court Friday.

Shamil Ali, Harinam Cox and Gopal Figueredo — all in their 20s — were arrested on Sept.19, after a massive police search that spanned multiple jurisdictions.

Vancouver police were responding to a report of a kidnapping, Sept. 17, when they found the bodies of Xuan Vanvy Bacao, 24, and Samantha Le, 29 in a home on Dieppe Place in East Vancouver.

Two days later police arrested three men in New Westminster and rescued a kidnap victim following a dramatic takedown on East Eighth Avenue near Blair Avenue.

Each of the men is charged with kidnapping, extortion, unlawful confinement or imprisonment and aggravated assault.

None of the men has been charged with murder.

Cox and Figueredo appeared in person while Ali appeared via videolink.

Crown lawyer Joe Bellows didn't say whether further charges are pending.

"That's a matter you'll have to discuss with police, as that investigation is ongoing," said Bellows.

David Karp — the lawyer representing 20-year old accused Harinam Cox — said he anticipates he'll be applying for bail for his client.

"He's a young person with no criminal record. His family is obviously very distraught. He's very upset and scared. He's never been in prison before," said Karp.

The Crown has yet to disclose its evidence to the defence.

The case is due back in provincial court on October 5.