West Vancouver homicide victim identified; IHIT seeking public assistance in identifying suspects

Integrated Homicide Investigation Team

Fri Mar 31 10:08:00 PDT 2023

File # 2023-411

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has identified the victim of the West Vancouver homicide on March 21, 2023 and is seeking information from the public. 

Background:

On March 21, 2023 at 4:48 p.m., the West Vancouver Police responded to reports of a man suffering from serious injuries in an underground parking lot in the 2100-block of Argyle Avenue, West Vancouver, BC.

When West Vancouver Police members arrived on scene, they found a man suffering from life threatening injuries resulting from multiple stab wounds. BC Ambulance Services and West Vancouver Fire and Rescue attempted life saving measures; however, the man succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Witnesses reported a suspect fleeing the area on foot, east-bound on Argyle Avenue.

The victim has been identified as 55-year-old Francis Este of West Vancouver. Dr. Este is not known to police. We are releasing Dr. Este’s identification in an effort to build a time line of his activities leading up to the homicide.

(Photo of Dr. Francis Este)

IHIT has advanced the investigation and through CCTV review, two suspects have been established. Investigators are focusing on identifying both of these males and determining what role they have in this homicide.

(Photos of Suspects)

We are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying these two individuals, says Sgt. Timothy Pierotti of IHIT. If you recognize either of these two men, please contact IHIT immediately.

IHIT is continuing to work closely with the West Vancouver Police, and is pursuing all potential avenues of investigation and canvassing several areas, collecting evidence and identifying witnesses.

We believe this was a targeted incident that may be related to other events involving Dr. Este throughout the past few months, says Sgt. Pierotti of IHIT. Anyone with information about these previous events are asked to contact IHIT.

Anyone with information or who may have witnessed this incident and has yet to speak to police, is asked to contact IHIT.

We are asking anyone with information about this murder to contact IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

Released by

Sgt. Timothy Pierotti

Email: ediv_ihit_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: homicideteam.ca

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