Two male youths charged with second-degree murder of 45-year-old Paul Prestbakmo in South Surrey

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      After a 45-year-old man in South Surrey was found fatally stabbed last month, two teenagers are being charged with his murder.

      The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) and Surrey RCMP announced at a news conference today (September 19) that two male youths—a 15 year old and a 16 year old, whose names are not being released due to their ages—are facing charges of second-degree murder in the investigation into the death of 45-year-old Delphin Paul Prestbakmo, also known as "Pauly".

      Prestbakmo had been on his way to a McDonald's but was found suffering from extensive injuries after being stabbed around 3:23 a.m. on August 16 in the parking lot of Semiahmoo Shopping Centre in the 1700 block of 152nd Street. 

      A police dog located a male suspect at a house nearby, and the male had been taken into custody but later released, pending further investigation.

      Delphin Paul Prestbakmo
      Integrated Homicide Investigation Team

      IHIT stated that the 15 year old has been in custody since August 22 for failing to abide by court-imposed conditions. Meanwhile, the 16 year old has been in custody since August 21 for the same reasons.

      According to IHIT, witnesses provided key information that helped to establish circumstances leading up to the death of Prestbakmo.

      Fundraising efforts were organized to cover funeral costs and his sister, Angela Prestbakmo, made a public appeal for help with the investigation.

      Surrey RCMP

      Anyone with information who hasn't yet spoken with police is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-4448 or email.  To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

      IHIT stated that no further details are being released as the case is before the court.

      White Rock RCMP and IHIT had been working together to determine whether or not there was any connection between Prestbakmo’s murder in South Surrey and an assault that took place in White Rock on the same night (August 16).

      A man in his 60s, who was seen in the 1600 block of 152nd Street before 3 a.m., had sustained serious injuries from a physical assault some time before 3 a.m. but the location of the assault remained unknown. The victim has since been released from hospital and is recovering from his injuries.

      White Rock RCMP Cst. Chantal Sears told the Georgia Straight by phone that the investigation for this case is moving forward but that any connection between the assault and Prestbakmo’s fatal stabbing remains to be determined.

      Anyone who hasn’t yet spoken with White Rock RCMP is asked to contact investigators at 778-593-3600.

      You can follow Craig Takeuchi on Twitter at @cinecraig or on Facebook

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