Surrey: Homicide investigators say the murder of a hockey dad and dedicated nurse in Surrey, was a case of mistaken identity.
Paul Bennett was shot in his driveway on June 23 and died of his wounds in hospital.
His widow, Darlene Bennett, says Paul wasn’t involved in criminal activity and she never thought he would die of such violence, especially in their quite neighbourhood.
Cpl. Frank Jang of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team says it is a tragic case and investigators believe the 47-year-old man was the unintended victim of a targeted shooting.
Darlene says her husband was compassionate and caring, volunteered his time freely to coach their boys in sports, and loved being a nurse, especially when he was working in the operating room.
Both she and Jang are asking for the public’s help to find the killer and urge those who might have information to contact police.
Police have also released surveillance video from a home in the area showing a four-door Honda Civic that Jang says may be related to the case.
The family of Mr. Bennett is appealing for the public’s help for information that could help solve his murder.
Letter from the family of Paul Bennett
We remember Paul’s life as a husband, father, brother and son as being as normal as any of our lives. 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. He volunteered his time freely whether it be to coach the boys in sports or to pick up an unfilled call shift at the hospital. He loved being a nurse, especially working in the operating room. He had found his element. In the midst of chaos there was always opportunity to save a life or improve it. He was a compassionate and caring individual who could be an empathetic listener. He made you feel valued and appreciated. He loved his boys and encouraged them in their sports and supported their dreams. He was Paul, one of those exceptional people not everyone is lucky to meet in their lifetime.
Paul did not have a criminal record and was not involved in criminal activity. We never thought he would die in such a senseless and violent way. 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.
At this time, we would like to request anyone who may have information about Paul’s death to please contact the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team. We would be eternally grateful if you are able to provide the police with any information. Please bear in mind every piece of information is important.
Paul spent his life helping others, now please help Paul and our family find the closure we need to move forward.
Thank you,
The family of Paul Bennett
