North Vancouver stabbing update expected from homicide investigators

NORTH VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Homicide investigators are expected to provide an update Monday afternoon on their investigation of Saturday’s stabbing spree in North Vancouver.

A young woman was killed and six others were hurt in the attack in and around the Lynn Valley Library.

A memorial at that site continues to grow, as the community rallies around the survivors and everyone impacted by the attack.

We’re also learning more about some of those hurt.

One woman — a single mother who was left with what are being called extensive, life-altering injuries — is now unable to work in the near future.

A GoFundMe page created for her Sunday evening had already raised more than $73,000 of the $100,000 goal by 10 a.m. Monday morning, with notes from donors offering wishes for a speedy recovery and reassurances the community is behind her and her three children.

"The family and friends are overwhelmed with the support of the community and want to thank everyone that has donated so far."

The total now approaching $75,000

Support for North Vancouver Tragedy Victim Susanne https://t.co/mr8Ix6Kf6T

— Mike Lloyd ☕️ (@llikemoyd) March 29, 2021

“Just a small contribution to show that your community is behind you all the way,” reads one message, echoing the sentiment of many others.

We’re also learning that one of the victims is a teacher at nearby Argyle Secondary School. She’s expected to make a full recovery.

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• Murder charge laid in North Vancouver library stabbing

• North Vancouver MLA hopes people traumatized by stabbing seek help

• One dead after North Vancouver library stabbing, six in hospital

A letter has gone out to families across the North Vancouver school district, with counselling being offered to students and staff as class resumes Monday after Spring Break. It encourages parents to speak with their children about their reactions and concerns over Saturday’s events.

“We are aware of other members of our parent/guardian community that were also directly impacted by this incident,” the letter reads, in part. “Furthermore, a number of students were in the area and witnessed the incident unfold and will be indirectly impacted by the experience. Our thoughts go out to all members of the NVSD community who has been affected by this tragedy.”

Superintendent Mark Pearmain is also encouraging families to reach out to their school principals if they feel their children need additional support, and to check with their own employers to see if benefits can provide additional help.

People who are in need of assistance can find help through North Shore Emergency Management, Foundry North Shore, Family Services of the North Shore, and Hollyburn Family Services, to name a few resources.

The suspect in Saturday’s attack had been identified as 28-year-old Yannick Bandaogo, who police indicated had had dealings with the law previously. He’s been charged with second-degree murder and remains in custody.

His background, history in BC and relationship to the victims, if any, is still being determined.

— IHIT (@HomicideTeam) March 28, 2021

Flowers continued to pile up outside the Lynn Valley Library into Sunday evening as people continued to stop by to mourn and share messages of support at the site of the stabbings.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team’s update is set for 2 p.m. You can catch the latest on-air and online.

-With files from The Canadian Press