B.C. jury finds man guilty of first-degree murder in 2019 gas station slaying

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has been called for the shooting of a man known to police in Surrey Saturday afternoon. (CTV)

A jury has convicted a B.C. man of first-degree murder for a brazen shooting at a Surrey gas station more than five years ago, according to authorities.

Carlos Monteith was found guilty on March 14, the day after deliberations began, according to a news release from the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.

On Sept. 28, 2019, around 6 p.m., the victim – 29-year-old Kristijan Coric – was sitting in his car when he was gunned down at a busy shopping centre on Fraser Highway and 188 Street.

The shooting left Coric’s black Mercedes SUV riddled with bullet holes, and sent terrified families who were nearby ducking for cover.

A suspect vehicle was found torched soon after, leading police to describe the fatal shooting as one with “all the hallmarks of a targeted hit.”

Monteith was charged more than a year later.

“This was a brazen shooting at a busy gas station,” IHIT spokesperson Sgt. Freda Fong said in a statement.

“Targeted shootings such as this one add to the layers of complexity involved in the investigation. A guilty verdict reflects our unwavering commitment to justice, the hard work and strong partnership between our investigators, policing partners and the B.C. Prosecution Service.”

Monteith’s next court appearance is set for March 27, to fix a date for sentencing.

With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Andrew Weichel