MEHDI Ahmadzadeh Razavi, 48, of Maple Ridge and 45-year-old Arezou Soltani, 45, of North Vancouver were arrested on Friday, March 13 in relation to the homicide of Masood Masjoody, 45.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) announced on Saturday that BC Prosecution Service approved one count of first-degree murder each against Ahmadzadeh Razavi and Soltani.
“We understand this case has impacted the Iranian community and has generated widespread concern and public interest. While the motive is still under investigation, we can say the victim and two accused were known to each other,” said Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT.
“The laying of first-degree murder charges marks a significant milestone and reflects the hard work undertaken over the past several weeks; however, much work remains as the prosecution process begins.”
On the evening of February 2, Burnaby RCMP launched an investigation into the whereabouts of Masjoody after receiving reports from concerned neighbours. Initial investigation by the Burnaby RCMP determined that Masjoody’s disappearance was out of character and criminality was involved.
IHIT assumed conduct of the investigation and worked in close partnership with the Burnaby RCMP and the Integrated Forensic Identification Services (IFIS) to advance the investigation.
Investigators focussed on establishing a timeline and the circumstances leading up to Masjoody’s disappearance, uncovering evidence that led them to believe Masjoody was victim to homicide.
Over the past few weeks, IHIT investigators pursued a number of investigative avenues and undertook searches in multiple locations of interest.
As a result of extensive search efforts, on March 6, police located the remains of Masjoody in Mission.
IHIT thanked Mission RCMP, the Integrated Police Dog Services (IPDS), the Integrated Emergency Response Team (IERT), the Integrated Forensic Identification Services (IFIS), and Mission Search and Rescue for their assistance.
As this matter is now before the courts, no further information will be released, said police.
