The Integrated Homicide Team has taken over the investigation of a man’s body found in a car at 189th Street and 92nd Avenue early Tuesday.
The Surrey RCMP found the man’s body at about 9 a.m.
It was inside a vehicle and early investigation suggested a homicide.
“We are in the early stages and although the cause of death will have to be confirmed through autopsy we can say that this incident does not appear to be a random act,†said Cpl. Dominic Duchesneau of IHIT.
IHIT held a press conference at about 4 p.m. on Jan. 21 and only gave out preliminary details.
Duchesneau said more information will be provided during the course of the investigation but for now the police aren’t releasing more. The police would not say the man’s approximate age or ethnicity.
Duchesneau said the police believe they have an identity but wanted to confirm it and notify the man’s family.
On Wednesday morning, IHIT announced it was still not ready to release more information.
The car was abandoned on a narrow dead-end road in the residential neighbourhood of large, semi-rural properties.
“I’m in shock,†said nearby resident Karen Polson.
A resident for 15 years, she’s always felt safe in the neighbourhood but has noticed that it’s changed in recent years.
“Our mailbox was broken into just before Christmas,†she noted.
Polson has also heard of more break-ins in the area which is slated for redevelopment. She said a condo developer knocked on her door recently asking the family to sell and there are several for sale signs in the area.
The RCMP is asking the public to come forward and if anyone was in the area in the last few days. They can contact IHIT at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or via email at ihittipline@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
To remain anonymous, people can use Crime Stoppers phone line, 1-800-222-8477, or leave a tip on the website at Solvecrime.ca.