Man accused of stabbing popular leader

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A man has been charged in the stabbing death of a popular leader.

Vancouver police announced Wednesday that Timothy Isborn, 32, has been charged with second-degree murder.

On June 5 around 3:30 a.m., Wataru Kakiuchi, a Japanese citizen and chef at a downtown restaurant, was apparently waiting for a driver in Chinatown when he was attacked near Main and Union streets.

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Kakiuchi died before he could be transported to the hospital.

Following a six-day investigation, police said a suspect was arrested Monday afternoon in the Downtown Eastside.

“We thank everyone in the community for their support as we worked around the clock to collect the evidence that ultimately led to the suspect,” said Sgt. Steve Addison.

“The evidence collected by our investigators, along with information from the public, played a vital role in our arrest,” Addison said.

Police said Kakiuchi and Isborn did not know each other, but did not say whether there was any interaction leading to the attack.

According to Yoshihiro Tanabe, who worked with the victim at the former Hapa Izakaya location in Coal Harbor, Kakiuchi was warm and had a fun personality, and was a guitarist.

“He can bring good humor to the kitchen,” Tanabe said through his wife in an interview with Postmedia.

“Nice guy… so much fun,” he added, fighting his emotions.

Detectives continue to investigate the stabbing and anyone with information is asked to contact homicide at 604-717-2500.

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