IHIT investigating stabbing death

Photo: CTV

Police block off a rental car office following a murder in Abbotsford, B.C., on Jan. 2, 2014. (CTV)

Update -- 11 a.m.

The first murder victim of 2014 in Abbotsford, B.C., is a prominent gang leader.

Matthew Gordon Campbell was airlifted to hospital Thursday afternoon with a severe stab wound to the neck but died from his injuries a short time later.

Abbotsford Police Const. Ian Macdonald said the 31-year-old collapsed after stumbling into an Enterprise Rent-a-Car on Automall Drive and pleaded for help.

Campbell, an Abbotsford resident, was the leader of the Red Scorpion gang with ties to the notorious Bacon brothers, high-profile associates who used to head the faction.

The case has been taken over by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.

“Mr. Campbell was known to police for his history relating to gang activity and indications at this point in the investigation suggest this was not a random incident,” said IHIT Sgt. Adam MacIntosh.

Police are now looking for any surveillance video at the scene and other information to lead them to a suspect.

“This is a very busy area of Abbotsford… with a lot of car dealerships. We’re still appealing for witnesses to come forward,” said Const. Macdonald.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police.

Original Story -- 7:19 a.m.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has been called to probe what appears to have been a fatal stabbing in Abbotsford Thursday afternoon.

The victim, a man in his 30s, was airlifted to hospital around 3:45 p.m. with a severe neck wound. He succumbed to his injuries a short time later.

Witnesses said the man stumbled into an Enterprise Rent-a-Car on Automall Drive and pleaded for help.

Few details have been confirmed, but sources tell CTV News the victim may be a well-known gang member in the area. More information is expected Friday morning.

Police have not said how the man died and investigators are still talking to witnesses and trying to gather video evidence.