THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) on Thursday identified Wednesday night’s homicide victim in Surrey as 34-year-old Matthew Neely in an effort to advance the investigation and is appealing for witnesses.
On April 8 at approximately 9:10 p.m., Surrey Police Service (SPS) officers responded to assist BCEHS with an injured man in the 9700-block of 134 Street. The man was subsequently transported to the hospital; however, he died from his injuries.
IHIT deployed to Surrey and assumed conduct of the investigation.
IHIT continues to work in close partnership with SPS and the Integrated Forensic Identification Service (IFIS) to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.
While the investigation is in its early stages, investigators believe this was an isolated incident stemming from a verbal dispute.
Investigators are expected to be at the scene for some time as an extensive canvass for video and witnesses is underway.
“Establishing the victim’s background and a timeline of his arrival to the area is critical as this will help us determine the events leading up to his death,” says Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT. “It is important for anyone who had recent contact with Mr. Neely to call IHIT right away.”
IHIT investigators are seeking information and dashcam footage from any witnesses who were in the area on April 8 between 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
