A suspect has been charged in the 2022 killing of a Vancouver taxi driver, according to police.
The Vancouver Police Department announced on Tuesday that 27-year-old John Smith has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of 42-year-old taxi driver, David Jones.
Jones was found dead in his taxi on January 5, 2022, in the area of East 33rd Avenue and Victoria Drive. He had suffered multiple stab wounds.
Smith was arrested on Monday and has been remanded in custody. He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.
According to police, Smith and Jones did not know each other and the motive for the killing is still under investigation.
“This was a senseless and tragic act of violence that has left a family without their loved one,” said Sergeant Steve Addison in a statement. “We hope that this arrest brings some measure of closure to the victim’s family and friends.”
The Vancouver Police Department thanked the public for their assistance in the investigation and urged anyone with further information to come forward.
Jones’ death was one of several taxi driver killings in the Vancouver area in recent years, sparking concerns about safety in the industry.
The BC Taxi Association has called for increased safety measures for drivers, including the installation of safety shields in taxis.
The investigation into Jones’ death is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Vancouver Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 604-717-2500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
