Man fatally shot in case of mistaken identity
SURREY — The grieving family of a Surrey man fatally shot last month in a case of mistaken identity is pleading for the public’s help in tracking down his killer.
Paul Bennett, 47, died in hospital of gunshot wounds after he was shot in the driveway of his Surrey home about 4 p.m. on June 23. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team is working to track down those responsible, spokesman Cpl. Frank Jang said at a news conference, where Bennett’s wife and sister made an emotional appeal for public tips to help advance the case.
Bennett was the unintended victim of a targeted shooting in a case of mistaken identity, Jang said. He was not known to police, had no record and had no links to criminal activity.
“I understand that this is very unsettling news to the community,” Jang said.
Bennett’s wife, Darlene Bennett, flanked by his sister, Jackie Arthur, wept and paused several times to collect herself as she read a statement to reporters.
“We remember Paul’s life as a husband, father, brother and son as being normal as any of our lives,” she said.
“He wore his heart on his sleeve and was a presence in the room. He had an easy ability to converse with anyone on any topic. He was a people person and relished to be around others.”
Paul Bennett was a father of two boys. He coached nine- to 11-year-olds with the Cloverdale Titans Atom C team last season and was a nurse who worked at Peace Arch Hospital.
“He loved our boys and encouraged them in sports and supported their dreams,” Darlene Bennett said.
“He was Paul, one of those exceptional people not everyone is lucky to meet in their lives.”
She asked anyone with information to contact IHIT, stressing that any tip is important.
“We never thought he would die in such a senseless and violent way,” she said. “There was a complete disregard for public safety as he was murdered in a quiet, residential area. We are grieving and traumatized by his loss and praying to understand why this has happened to our family.”
Jang said the investigation remains active but IHIT needs anyone who has information to come forward. Shortly after the shooting, video surveillance captured a new-model, four-door silver Honda Civic leaving the area, and investigators want information about the vehicle, which they say is linked to Bennett’s homicide.
He said IHIT and other police are still working to determine the intended target of the shooting but would not go into detail about that investigation.
Jang rebuked those responsible for their disregard for public safety.
“Paul Bennett was an innocent victim and his death has shocked the community,” Jang said.
“This is a very tragic incident and has devastated his family and the broader community.”