Rostam Poulad was a 69-year-old grandfather and a fixture in the Persian arts community. He had no known enemies and no criminal ties. It’s why his murder, five years on, remains one of the most baffling cold cases on IHIT’s books.
During the early afternoon of Nov. 30, 2013, someone came to the door of the “Persian Ticketmaster’s” home on the 4000 block of St. Georges Avenue. The two spoke briefly and Poulad went back inside to fetch some tickets to a concert. When he returned, the suspect shot him and left him to die.
Neighbours called 911 and attempted first aid but Poulad succumbed to his injuries. North Vancouver RCMP and West Vancouver police shut down North Shore bridges in an effort to halt the suspect’s escape. Witnesses described the man as having an athletic build, about six feet tall, with short dark hair. He was driving a silver or grey import vehicle, police said at the time,
Staff Sgt. Adam Gander, of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, won’t say if he believes that Poulad’s killer is still on the North Shore today but he is convinced there are people here who are holding onto the information that is needed to bring the investigation to a critical new phase.
“We’ve taken little bits and pieces together and we have a working theory. We have people that we’re interested in,” said Gander. “We’re just needing that one person to give us that piece to really put it all together.”
IHIT brought in Farsi-speaking investigators from other police forces to help interview witnesses. Most, although not all, of the valuable information in the case has come from the Persian community.
Gander said people are always hesitant to talk to police, especially when it’s a murder investigation, but Sima Ghaffarzadeh, editor-in-chief of Persian interest magazine Hamyaari, said culture may be playing a factor.
“We are coming from a background that, believe it or not, when we see police, we are just scared,” she said. “You’re supposed to feel safe when the police are around whereas it’s just the opposite because we are coming from a corrupt government. Everyone is so scared of getting caught for nothing so they try to avoid (police).”
Three years ago, police released a video featuring Poulad’s tearful daughter pleading for someone to come forward and assist police. It did produce fresh tips but not enough, Gander said.
Gander still meets with Poulad’s family regularly. They continue to suffer, he said.
“Especially at this time of year. It’s difficult. It’s the anniversary. They’re trying to explain to the grandkids what happened to their grandfather. It is a tough time for them,” he said. “It is hard for me to sit and not be able to explain to them why, because all they want right now is why. Why would somebody shoot a 69-year-old grandfather? It doesn’t make sense to them. That part, even five years on, has not changed.”
If new, relevant information came in, IHIT would be able to redeploy resources to fast-track the investigation. Gander led the investigation that recently tracked down the alleged killer of Burnaby teen Marrisa Shen.
Gander is hoping after five years, the people holding onto relevant tips will feel differently and step forward. That includes some people who IHIT investigators already interviewed, he added.
“I believe there are people who have heard things and for whatever reason, just haven’t wanted to share it,” he said. “You need to help this family heal a bit. You need to come. Even if you think the information is not that important or maybe you think we already know.”
Anyone with information about Poulad’s murder is asked to contact IHIT at 1-877-551-4448. Or they can remain anonymous and deliver tips to CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
“I want the community to know that IHIT doesn’t forget,” Gander said.
