THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) on Thursday identified the December 3 Surrey homicide victim as 29-year-old Lisa Ellie Marie Baines.
IHIT Sgt. Frank Jang told the media that investigators had gathered significant evidence that suggests that this was not an isolated incident. However, this was not gang-related or drug-related.
Investigators have spoken with many friends and family members of the victim. However, Jang appealed to those who were close enough to Baines to have information about what was going on in her life leading up to her death to call IHIT at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
He said the investigation was progressing quickly and they are building a strong case and are working towards getting charge approval. However, he added that getting “that information from friends and associates – that is so critical to this investigation and all homicide investigations” and urged them to come forward.
He said that last week IHIT provided some information about a burnt-out vehicle in Abbotsford, but they have learned since then that it is not associated to this investigation.
On December 3, just after 5:30 a.m., Surrey RCMP responded to a report of a single vehicle collision in the alleyway of the 13700-block of 75A Avenue. A female was located with critical injuries, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Despite all efforts by first responders, the woman succumbed to her injuries.
Early information indicated that a second vehicle was involved in the shooting. Police combed the area for any potential evidence, including video surveillance. IHIT is investigating in partnership with the Surrey RCMP.
Police said this did not appear to be a random act.
Baines’ family is appealing for the public’s help for information about her homicide.
Statement of her mother Heidi Baines:
On Thursday December 3, 2020, our family was shocked and saddened to be informed that our beautiful daughter Ellie had been tragically and violently taken from us. She was driving home from dialysis in the early hours of the morning. Her car was found off the road and she had received and eventually succumbed to gunshot-inflicted wounds. That is not how we would like to remember our daughter. She was much more than a victim of a homicide.
Ellie was born in Surrey, B.C. in 1991. Her life from the very beginning was not easy and she spent many years in foster homes in the Fraser Valley; back then her name was Lisa Marie. In 2002, we were blessed to have her come home to her forever family. She in fact chose the name, Ellie.
Ellie became part of our family. She was the second oldest of six children. Her teen years were spent on Vancouver Island in the Cowichan Valley attending Duncan Christian School. She made friends easily. She was your typical strong-willed teen that liked to tug at the reigns. As she was living her teenage years, she became ill and was soon diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome, which is a disease that attacked her kidneys. We spent many months in B.C. Children’s Hospital hoping the disease would go into remission. That never did occur. When she was 21-years-old, she had a kidney transplant and we were hopeful that her luck had changed. Sadly within months, the disease attacked her new kidney and she had to return to dialysis. At the time of her death, Ellie was receiving dialysis three times a week during the night. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, she would check into Surrey Memorial overnight and receive her dialysis.
Our girl was never one to let life keep her down. Throughout all her illness, she managed to receive a mental health worker certificate from Stenberg College. She also successfully completed her Medical Office Assistance Program while working at Granville Toyota. After that, she worked at Royal Columbian Hospital, a couple of doctor’s offices, and Cascadia Metals. Many of the jobs she held were short-term because it was hard to have energy after dialysis. Shortly before Covid hit, she had started quite a resume as an extra on such Vancouver-based films as Riversdale, Super Girl and many others. I am sure if you worked with her you would remember her smile, her wit and her laughter. She was a stunning woman, whether she chose to be blonde, brown, or black-haired.
As much as she enjoyed curling up to watch Netflix, she enjoyed going out and partying with friends; even spending weekends in Whistler and Kelowna. She was known to love a good Bellini, or a Cranberry and Vodka.
Our trips to West Edmonton Mall where we would shop and ride the roller coasters are some of our favourite memories. She was a proud momma to her Shitzu-Terrier cross dog named Kobe, who she would dress up and take out for walks or to restaurants.
This is just a small snapshot of our daughter. If anyone knew her or worked with her and can share any information, even something small, please share it with the police so we can put our girl to rest with some answers.Â