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Vancouver police say the stabbing happened around 5:40 p.m. outside the coffee shop, located in the area of West Pender and Granville streets, after a “brief altercation” between two men.
Investigators note the suspect and victim are not believed to have known each other, adding the “circumstances that led up to the fatal stabbing remain under investigation.”
Despite officers administering first aid, the victim, identified as 37-year-old Paul Stanley Schmidt, died after he was rushed to the hospital.
“We believe this homicide was witnessed by dozens of bystanders, and there may be people with information who have not yet come forward,” said Sgt. Steve Addison.
“We particularly want to hear from anyone who was present in the moments before the stabbing, or anyone who has cell-phone video of the incident.”
Video of the incident has been widely shared online. The graphic footage, which CityNews has chosen not to share, also shows some onlookers going about their business instead of rushing to Schmidt’s aid as he falls to the ground.
Meanwhile, Schmidt’s wife and young daughter were reportedly at the scene as the violence unfolded.