British Columbia

Brothers with gang ties identified as homicide victims found after fire in Richmond

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has identified the victims of a double homicide on Friday in Richmond, B.C.

25-year-old Chaten Dhindsa and 23-year-old Joban Dhindsa were brothers

A picture of the chest of an IHIT officer, with the words 'HOMICIDE' clearly visible.
IHIT says Richmond RCMP responded at 4:45 a.m. Friday to assist with a structure fire, but once the blaze was extinguished, two bodies were found inside the home. (Ben Nelms/CBC)

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has identified the victims of a double homicide on Friday in Richmond, B.C.

The homicide team says 25-year-old Chaten Dhindsa and 23-year-old Joban Dhindsa were brothers and were known to police.

The team says Richmond RCMP responded at 4:45 a.m. Friday to assist with a structure fire, but once the blaze was extinguished, two bodies were found inside the home.

Police say the injuries sustained by the two men were consistent with a homicide and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team assumed conduct of the file.

Det. Lara Jansen says this is believed to be a targeted incident related to the victims' involvement in the ongoing Lower Mainland gang conflict.

She is urging anyone with information to contact IHIT or Crime Stoppers.