Islam Nagem and Edrick Raju have each been charged with first degree murder and Michael Schweiger with second degree murder of Alexander Blanarou after an extensive three-year investigation. On December 28, 2017, just before 2:30 p.m., 24-year-old Blanarou was shot to death in the 5300-block of Bates Road in Abbotsford, B.C. Police arrived on scene to find Blanarou’s body in a nearby blueberry field. 

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

ABBOTSFORD – Two South Asians are among three men charged with the 2017 gangland style murder of Alexander Blanarou.

Islam Nagem and Edrick Raju have each been charged with first degree murder and Michael Schweiger with second degree murder of Blanarou after an extensive three-year investigation.

On December 28, 2017, just before 2:30 p.m., 24-year-old Blanarou was shot to death in the 5300-block of Bates Road in Abbotsford, B.C. Police arrived on scene to find Blanarou’s body in a nearby blueberry field. 

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) took conduct of the investigation supported by the Abbotsford Police Department (APD). The homicide was a targeted incident and believed to be drug-related.

“I want to express my appreciation to the core team of IHIT investigators for bringing this case together,” says Inspector Michelle Tansey, Operations Support Officer for IHIT. “IHIT received tremendous support from APD and our other police partners whose contributions were integral to today’s outcome.”

“Thank you to the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team for their commitment and dedication in the pursuit of justice for families and victims,” says Inspector Colin Thomson, Officer-In-Charge of the APD Criminal Investigation Branch. “The arrests made for Alexander Blanarou’s murder serves as another great example of collaboration between different police agencies.”

IHIT said no further details will be released as the matter is now before the court.