Kamloops RCMP suspect murder in the case of Muhammad ”Ash” Zafar, with authorities adding they believe it was connected to gay dating apps. (Image Credit: Kamloops RCMP)

By Tommy Osborne

Dating apps

B.C. death connected to dating apps has Prince George community members concerned

Feb 4, 2026 | 5:53 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Following the possible murder of a man in Kamloops authorities believe to be tied to gay dating apps, the Northern BC Queer Connection Society is raising concerns not just about the death of Muhammad Zafar, but also about what this means for our region.

“It’s certainly a tragedy, but it’s also a red flag for the queer and trans community,” said Frederick Lawal, the Society’s Chairperson.

“It comes as no surprise, we are certainly used to this sort of violence. But it’s shifted form, it’s showing that predators have adapted their methods to exploit social media and dating apps, to cause harm to the queer and trans community,” they continued.

Lawal says Zafar’s situation, unfortunately, isn’t an isolated one. He pointed to another death of a similar nature of Alexander Lo in Vancouver, 2024, on top of stories he’s heard from members of the LGBTQ community in Prince George who have reported being subjected to violence or robbed after meeting someone through a dating app.

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“Especially here in the North, we use these apps to connect over vast distances. And for many folks, being queer and/or trans in the North still is not acceptable, so having a safe space to be yourself online, and having that taken away is definitely a concern for us here in the community,” Lawal said.

Violence through dating apps is not a new phenomenon, so both Lawal and local authorities urge you to keep yourself safe and stay cautious on these apps.

“The risk of violence can be mitigated a little bit by meeting in public. Always let someone know where you’re going to be, who you’re meeting up with. Have a check in plan with friends or family,” said Corporal Jennifer Cooper with the Prince George RCMP.

“I wouldn’t discourage folks from using these apps. I would just say, keep your wits about you and use your common sense,” Lawal added.

Meeting in public spaces can be an option to protect yourself, but in the case of quicker connections it may not be what you’re looking for, so in a situation like this both Lawal and Cooper urge the importance of a check-in plan with someone you trust, and maintaining that clear communication.

“It really just links back to leaning into the collective strength of the community, staying in really close contact with those trusted folks. This is what’s kept us safe for all this time, for generations. So really, I just encourage folks to talk to your friends, talk to your family,” Lawal said.

Kamloops authorities said they believe Zafar’s possible murder to be an isolated incident.