Police awaiting autopsy finding and DNA verification
THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is calling on the public to assist its ongoing homicide investigation in Abbotsford.
On November 15, at approximately 10:34 p.m., the Abbotsford Police Department responded to a vehicle fire with a body inside in the 5300-block of Bates Road. Witnesses reported seeing a dark-coloured SUV leaving the scene of the fire towards Mission. Due to the suspicious nature of the incident, IHIT was called in to take conduct of the case.
IHIT continues to work closely with its partners from the Abbotsford Police Department and the B.C. Coroners Service to gather evidence.
Investigators have determined that the burnt vehicle is a black Chevrolet Tahoe last rented by 48-year-old Sukhdev Dhaliwal of Abbotsford. IHIT is seeking to develop a timeline of events leading up to the report of the burning vehicle and discovery of the body.
“While we are unable to confirm if Mr. Dhaliwal was the victim in this case, we are interested in speaking to anyone who may have seen or spoken to him,” says IHIT Sgt. Frank Jang. “We must also wait for the conclusive findings from the autopsy as well as DNA verification before we are able to positively identify the victim.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551- IHIT (4448), or email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).