THE identity of a 2017 homicide victim in Squamish, B.C. has been confirmed and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is requesting public assistance for information on the case. 

On June 14, 2017, at around 9:30 a.m., the Sea to Sky RCMP responded to a report of a burnt vehicle on the Cheekye Forest Service Road in Squamish. Human remains were found inside the vehicle, a 2000 red GMC Yukon XL, and the autopsy later confirmed the victim died as a result of a gunshot wound.

After speaking with members of the Squamish community, investigators determined that the victim was a man who went by the name of ‘Jesse James’ and was well known in the area as an avid climber.  

The victim’s actual name remained unknown until earlier this month when it was confirmed as Davis Wolfgang Hawke of the United States. Hawke was 38 years old at the time of his death.

“Conclusively establishing Davis Hawke as our murdered victim is clearly a significant development in the case after these past three years, however, it has raised more questions particularly with respect to motive,” said IHIT Sgt. Frank Jang. “This new information opens some new avenues of investigation for us and hopefully will lead us closer to solving this mystery.”

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

Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact CrimeStoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).