3 dead in separate homicides in Vancouver
2 people die in Downtown Eastside, another killed in city's southeast, police say
Three people were killed in separate homicides in Vancouver on Wednesday night, according to police.
Police found two people unresponsive in a room at the Astoria Hotel on East Hastings Street after officers were called to the scene just after 7 p.m. PT. One of the victims was pronounced dead at the hotel and the other died in hospital.
Half an hour later, police were called to a southeast neighbourhood near 64th Avenue and Knight Street. A number of people phoned 911 after hearing gunshots.
One victim was found dead in front of a home in the area, police said in a statement Thursday.
There was a heavy police presence in both areas Wednesday night and into Thursday morning.
Vancouver police said the two crime scenes are unrelated, but the major crime unit is investigating all three deaths as homicides.
A statement said police do not believe there is a risk to the public.
Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 604-717-2500 or Crime Stoppers if they want to remain anonymous.
South VN Homicide investigators in taped off area (several blocks) near East 64th & Knight Street <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vancouver?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vancouver</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/homicide?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#homicide</a> #2 Sept 17 — also death at Astoria Hotel <a href="https://t.co/T8B4IAPydk">pic.twitter.com/T8B4IAPydk</a>
—@ybrendWith files from Yvette Brend