Vancouver police are investigating the city's fourth homicide of 2026 after a man was stabbed to death early Wednesday in the Downtown Eastside. The incident occurred near East Hastings and Columbia streets at approximately 2:30 a.m., according to authorities.
Details of the Incident
Witnesses called 911 after the stabbing, and the victim was rushed to hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The Vancouver Police Department has identified the victim as 49-year-old James Andrew Slater. A man and a woman have been taken into custody, but charges have not yet been filed.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the VPD major crime section at 604-717-2500. The investigation remains active as detectives work to determine the circumstances leading to the fatal stabbing.
Context of 2026 Homicides
This marks the fourth homicide in Vancouver this year. Of the previous three, two were men killed in the Downtown Eastside, and another was a man stabbed to death on Commercial Drive. The recent incident highlights ongoing concerns about violence in the area.
Police continue to patrol the Downtown Eastside and encourage residents to report any suspicious activity. The community is urged to stay vigilant as the investigation unfolds.
