B.C. Daily Digest — March 30, 2026

Shocking court change: Two teens whose life sentences for the brutal 2019 murder of Surrey mechanic Paul Prestbakmo (stabbed 42 times in 26 seconds on Aug. 16, 2019) had their adult life terms overturned on appeal and reverted to the Youth Criminal Justice Act maximum of seven years (including four in custody). This means the pair — who were 15 and 16 at the time — could be out of custody as soon as November, a result the victim’s sister Elizabeth Prestbakmo called “more of a slap on the wrist.”

Neighbourhood eyes teardown: West Vancouver council is being advised to order demolition of a hoarder’s home at 6507 Nelson Ave. after reports of leaks, mould, vermin, garbage piles and a December power cut by BC Hydro; if the owner doesn’t act by the deadline, the district can demolish the house at the owner’s expense. Neighbours say it’s been a long, sad problem and hope the homeowner gets help, but they’re worried about safety and fire risk.

End of an era — and hiring push: After policing Cloverdale since May 1951 (about 75 years), the RCMP will officially leave the area on April 1 as Surrey Police Service takes over; the Mounties remembered fallen Const. Roger Pierlet and reflected on decades of service. At the same time, Surrey Police bumped its signing bonus for experienced officers to $30,000 (from $20,000) — a $900,000 hiring incentive in the existing budget that has some city leaders worried about staffing and timing.

Violence spike: Surrey saw four shootings in 48 hours, including the March 28 death of 27-year-old Jasman Sekhon in Sullivan Heights, plus incidents on March 29 and two on March 30 (one police-involved shooting now under the Independent Investigations Office review). Police say one incident appears linked to extortion and at least one business was shot at (5400 block of Production Blvd.); investigators are working to connect the scenes and keep neighbourhoods safe.

Targeted killing in Sullivan Heights: IHIT says 27-year-old Jasman Sekhon — believed to have drug-trade ties and known to police — was shot and killed around 6:39 p.m. in the 15100 block of 60 Avenue; neighbours reported a dark SUV pursuit and two suspects who opened fire. A blue Hyundai SUV was found burning about 15 minutes later near 186th St. and 44 Ave.; IHIT urges witnesses to call 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) with tips or video.

Union asks for work-from-home relief: The BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU) is urging the provincial government to let public workers work from home full-time where possible to ease rising fuel costs (gas about $2/litre in Metro Vancouver) and reduce emissions. The union — with roughly 95,000 members (about 35,000 public service workers) — also wants temporary support options for workers who must travel a lot for their jobs.

World Cup scams warning: The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and police in host cities are warning people about FIFA World Cup-related fraud (fake tickets, phony short-term rentals and counterfeit goods) ahead of the tournament starting June 11; Canada hosts 13 matches (six in Toronto, seven in Vancouver). The advice: buy from official FIFA sources, verify rentals through several channels, and report suspicious offers.

Strange thefts at Powell River pool: David Farrell, 56, is charged with five counts of theft under $5,000 for allegedly taking undergarments from the family change room at the Powell River Recreation Complex on dates across 2025 (May 16, Aug. 20, Sept. 24 & 27, and Nov. 13). Police arrested him leaving the complex on Nov. 13 with stolen items, charges were sworn Jan. 19, and his next court date is March 31 at Powell River Law Courts; he’s banned from the facility.

Burning attack sentence: Samantha Elizabeth Florence Hall, 27, was sentenced on March 4 to 35.5 months (about three years) for deliberately setting another woman on fire in Langley on July 12, 2025; the 37-year-old victim suffered severe burns and needed urgent hospital treatment. Hall has been in custody since her July 15 arrest, will serve about two more years after credit for time served, and faces a 10-year weapons/firearms ban plus a DNA order.

Small quake off northern Vancouver Island: A 4.8-magnitude earthquake hit about 183 kilometres west of Port Hardy around 10:50 a.m. on Sunday at a depth of 5 km; Earthquakes Canada says it wasn’t felt, caused no damage and no tsunami is expected. Quakes between 3.5 and 5.4 are often felt but rarely cause harm, so no action is needed.