British Columbia

Robert Tyson Smith was Vancouver's 1st homicide victim of 2014

Vancouver's first homicide victim of 2014 has been identified by police as Robert Tyson Smith of Surrey, B.C.

The 28-year-old was fatally stabbed Sunday night after getting into an argument with 2 men

The aftermath of the stabbing on February 9, 2014 in Vancouver's entertainment district. Robert Tyson Smith, 28, died after he got out of his taxi to confront a man kicking and yelling at the car. (CBC)

Vancouver's first homicide victim of 2014 has been identified by police as Robert Tyson Smith of Surrey, B.C.

The 28-year-old was fatally stabbed on Sunday evening near Granville and Georgia streets after Smith's taxi cab driver got into an argument with two men.

Smith exited the vehicle and joined in the dispute. The argument quickly escalated into a fight, and that's when Smith was stabbed.

When police arrived shortly after 11 p.m. PT, they found Smith unconscious on the sidewalk with a life-threatening wound. He was rushed to hospital, but died hours later from his injuries.

Two men believed to be involved in the incident have been arrested, but no charges have been laid.

Police are asking anyone with information to come forward.

"We believe that there are other witnesses out there who have not yet spoken to police," said Vancouver Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Randy Fincham.

"These witnesses may hold important information that is vital to the ongoing police investigation."