Vancouver police appeal to 3 witnesses they allege are covering for a killer

Police make appeal to witnesses of fatal stabbing It's been three and a half years since a young man from New Westminster was stabbed to death outside a Vancouver house party.

In the summer of 2021, Luis Seanz was working construction and taking classes at BCIT. One night, the 24-year-old was invited to a private house party in south Vancouver, and never made it home.

“Luis was very much loved by his family. He was not involved in any criminal activity, and he certainly did not deserve to be killed,“ said Vancouver Police Sgt. Steve Addison, who held a news conference at the scene of the fatal stabbing Thursday.

Around 6:30 a.m. on July 10, Saenz was stabbed during an altercation with four fellow party-goers on the home’s driveway, near Southwest Marine Drive and West 57th Avenue. He did not survive his injuries.

“The group left, walked away. And Luis, fatally injured, collapsed on the ground,” said Addison.

Police say they’ve identified the two men and two women involved in the deadly alternation, including the alleged stabber, who has a criminal history.

“I can tell you that the suspect is now in his early 20s. He has been identified, he was taken into custody, he was arrested,” Addison said.

But Crown counsel told the VPD that they don’t have enough evidence to approve charges, so the suspect walked.

“Unfortunately, the three others have chosen not to cooperate in this investigation. We believe those three people are key witnesses that have first-hand information that could help us solve this case. And their lack of co-operation is impeding this investigation,” said Addison.

Addison made a direct appeal to the man and two women they believe are covering for a killer.

“There may be people who were motivated at the time to protect the person responsible and to stay quiet. We know that those loyalties and relationships may change. In fact, we're hoping they have, and that those people may be more willing to come forward now,” he said.

Police want the suspect and the three witnesses to know the case remains a priority.

“We will continue to investigate this case until we have all the answers,” said Addison. “Luis, his family, his friends, his loved ones, they all deserve answers. And they all deserve justice. Luis deserves justice.”

Anyone with information is urged to call the homicide unit at 604-717-2500. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.