Tragedy Strikes at Starbucks
A father has lost his life in a tragic incident outside a Vancouver Starbucks on March 26th. The victim, Paul Stanley Schmidt, was with his three-year-old daughter Erica outside the coffee shop when he was stabbed to death by a man named Inderdeep Singh Gosa.
The Attack
The attack occurred when Schmidt asked Gosa not to smoke near his young daughter. Witnesses say that Gosa became agitated and pulled out a knife before stabbing Schmidt. The victim’s fiancée, Ashley Umali, witnessed the horrific incident and is devastated.
Charges Laid
Gosa has been charged with second-degree murder, but Schmidt’s family is pleading for the charge to be upgraded to first-degree murder. First-degree murder requires proof of intent and deliberation, which they believe is evident in this case.
Investigation Continues
Police are urging witnesses to come forward to help determine the motive behind the killing. Investigators do not believe that the victim and suspect knew each other prior to this incident.
Community Shocked
The victim’s family and community are shattered by the loss. Schmidt was a hard-working father who supported his family through his job at a moving company in Burnaby.
Plea for Privacy
The family is upset with people who filmed the attack and is requesting that the footage not be shared. They are grieving over their loss and do not wish for any more pain or suffering caused by the circulation of such footage.
Calls for Repercussions
Public Safety Minister Mike Farnsworth hopes that the perpetrator will face criminal charges resulting in lengthy time behind bars. The community is calling for justice for Schmidt and his family.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for the family. Memorial plans for Schmidt have not yet been announced, but the community continues to mourn his loss. Anyone with information who has not yet spoken to police is urged to contact the VPD Major Crime Section at 604-717-2500. The VPD Victim Services Unit at 604-717-2737 provides support to those affected by crime or trauma.
In conclusion, this tragedy serves as a reminder of how quickly life can be taken away. We must cherish our loved ones and prioritize the safety of our communities. Schmidt’s family and friends will never forget him, and his death has left a void in the lives of many who knew him.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
