Arnold De Jong and wife Joanne are Abbotsford homicide victims

THE two deceased adults that were found in a residence in Abbotsford on Monday have been identified as 77-year-old Arnold De Jong and his wife 76-year-old Joanne De Jong.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is seeking witnesses and CCTV video to assist in this homicide investigation.

On May 9 at around 10:26 a.m., the Abbotsford Police Department responded to a residence in the 33600-block of Arcadian Way and found two deceased adults inside. Abbotsford Police patrol members confirmed the deaths as being suspicious and IHIT was called in to investigate.

The names of the vicitim have been released to further the investigation and identify additional witnesses and associates, IHIT said. Homicide investigators are still collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and constructing a timeline. At this stage, it is uncertain if this was a random or targeted incident.

According to one media report, Arnold De Jong was a long-distance trucker.

IHIT said it is working in partnership with Abbotsford Police and their Forensic Identification Section (FIS). The BC Coroners Service has also been engaged. IHIT remains positioned in Abbotsford, maintaining close communication and the sharing of intelligence, information, and resources with Abbotsford Police.

“The safety of the citizens in Abbotsford, and the community as a whole, are of the highest priority. Every available resource is being utilized,” said Abbotsford Police Constable Paul Walker.

“We are sharing information with AbbyPD and following multiple leads,” said IHIT Sgt. David Lee. “We are asking anyone with information about Arnold and Joanne to call IHIT. Their information may be key.”

Anyone with information is being asked to call IHIT on the Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.