Very little is publicly known about Yannick Bandaogo’s personal life prior to the attack. His background, upbringing, education, or employment history have not been fully disclosed to the public. What is known is that he had prior contact with law enforcement and had a criminal record before the 2021 stabbing rampage. Reports at the time indicated he was experiencing mental health issues, and his behavior prior to the incident raised red flags for those around him. However, no concrete profile or motive was publicly established before he committed the violent act in North Vancouver.

On the afternoon of March 27, 2021, a peaceful day at the Lynn Valley Library in North Vancouver, British Columbia, was shattered by a sudden and brutal act of violence. Yannick Bandaogo, armed with a knife, launched a violent stabbing spree that left one woman dead and six others seriously injured. The attack occurred both inside and outside the library, as witnesses watched in horror while Bandaogo moved swiftly and unpredictably.

Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, and Bandaogo was arrested the same day. During his arrest, he reportedly inflicted injuries upon himself with the weapon. He was taken to the hospital for treatment and then transferred into police custody.

Investigators later confirmed that none of the victims knew Bandaogo, reinforcing the belief that this was a random act of violence. In September 2021, prosecutors formally charged him with one count of second-degree murder, five counts of attempted murder, and one count of aggravated assault.

After spending over two years in pre-trial custody, Bandaogo pleaded guilty to all charges on May 29, 2023. The court sentenced him to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for 15 years on August 31, 2023. The judge acknowledged the severity and brutality of the attack and the long-term trauma endured by the survivors.