THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) was dispatched to Coquitlam on August 15 after the body of 44-year-old Stephanie Patterson was located in a rural area in Mission.

On August 11, Patterson was reported missing to the Coquitlam RCMP. On August 14, Coquitlam RCMP arrested a man in connection to the missing person investigation. On August 15, the same man was arrested in relation to the murder.

IHIT has taken conduct of the investigation and is working closely in partnership with Coquitlam RCMP, Mission RCMP, BC Coroners Service and the RCMP Integrated Forensic Identification Section.

“This tragic event has effected the entire community. Anyone in need of support is encouraged to reach out to the Coquitlam RCMP’s Victim Services,” said IHIT Sgt. Timothy Pierotti. “I would like to commend the Coquitlam RCMP for their excellent work on this investigation. It’s a result of their tireless work and dedication that they were able to locate and arrest a suspect so efficiently.”

“At this time we ask for respect and privacy for the family in their grief and suffering as we heal together as a community. We ask the public and media to also respect our space and land as we continue on our healing journey,” said Chief Giesbrecht and Councillor Chaffee from kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation. “We would like to thank the Coquitlam RCMP for their diligence with this investigation.”

IHIT is asking anyone who has any information who has yet to speak to police, regarding the incident, to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.