'Completely innocent': IHIT says shooting death of Surrey father was case of mistaken identity

Investigators say the targeted fatal shooting ofa minor hockey coach in Surrey, B.C., was a case of mistaken identity.

Paul Bennett "was a completely innocent person,"Cpl. FrankJangwith the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said Thursday.

Bennett was a 47-year-old father of twowho worked as a nurse and volunteered as a hockey coach.

He was gunned down inbroad daylight in a quiet residential suburb in Cloverdale on June 23.

In the days after, RCMP said Bennett was not known to police, but believed the shooting was targeted.

Jang said Thursday thatBennett had no criminal record and was not linked to any criminal activity.

"Ourinvestigatorsbelieve that Mr. Bennett was the unintended victim of a targeted shooting," he said.

Searching for Honda Civic

Police have not made any arrests nor laid criminal charges. Investigatorsare now trying to determine a motive and the intended target, Jang said.

They'relooking for asilver four-door Honda Civic sedan caught on surveillance footage leaving the area shortly after the shooting.

Jang declined to say whether the intended target lived on Bennett's street.

The shooting comes amidalready heightened community concern over gun violence in Surrey.

"I understand this is very unsettling news to thecommunity," Jang said.

'Compassionate and caring'

Bennett's family released a letter praising him as a "compassionate and caring individual."

"He wore his heart on his sleeve and was a presence in the room. He had an easy ability to converse with anyone on any topic. He was a people person and relished to be around others," the letter read.

The family said Bennett died a violent and senseless death.

"There was a complete disregard to public safety, as he was murdered in a quiet residential area. We are grieving and traumatized by his loss and praying to understand why this has happened to our family."

Bennett's family is urging anyone with information to contact IHIT at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) orCrime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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