Man Sentenced to 3 Years in 2023 Vancouver Homicide Case

A 43-year-old man, Dustin Gastel, has been sentenced to three years in prison for desecrating human remains in connection with a 2023 homicide in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

The case came to light on January 3, 2023, when Vancouver Fire Rescue Services discovered burned human remains while extinguishing a suspicious outdoor fire near Powell Street and Raymur Avenue.

Police later identified the victim as 34-year-old Jeff Genty, who was the first homicide victim recorded in Vancouver that year.

According to Vancouver police, Gastel was sentenced by the court on August 10. His three-year sentence will begin after he completes a separate prison sentence he is currently serving for another offence.

Police said the investigation into Genty’s death remains active. Investigators are also continuing to search for a female suspect believed to be involved in the incident.