A 36-year-old Vancouver man is facing second-degree murder charges in the death of longtime local businessman John Leslie McIver.
Vancouver police announced Wednesday morning that the charge has been approved against Brian Roger Holt, a former employee of McIver's.
McIver was found dead by a family member inside McIver’s Appliance Service and Sales, which is located near Ontario Street and East 69th Avenue, at around 8:30 a.m. on June 26.
The 78-year-old had owned and operated the South Vancouver business for more than 50 years.
Vancouver police media relations officer Const. Steve Addison said Wednesday that investigators believe McIver was targeted, though Addison wouldn't give specifics around how or why Holt's employment under McIver ended. No motive was disclosed.
Holt was arrested earlier this week without incident and charges were approved by Crown Counsel on Wednesday morning. Holt remains in custody until his next court appearance.
Anyone with information about this incident, who has not yet spoken with police, is asked to contact homicide investigators at 604-717-2500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
- with files from John Kurucz