THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has been deployed to Hope following the suspicious death of a Chilliwack male.

On the evening of Friday, July 5, Hope RCMP received a report of a deceased person in the 900-block of Old Hope Princeton Way in Hope. Frontline police officers located the body of a 46-year-old man, whose death appeared to be the result of homicide.

IHIT has taken conduct of the investigation and will continue to work closely in partnership with the Upper Fraser Valley Regional District (UFVRD) Serious Crimes Unit, the Integrated Forensic Identification Section (IFIS) and the BC Coroners Service.

Investigators have identified the victim as a 45-year-old man from Chilliwack, but are not releasing his name at this time to allow for proper notification of family members. Initial evidence suggests this was an isolated incident with no ongoing risk to the public.

“We are in the beginning stages of our investigation,” said IHIT Sgt. Timothy Pierotti. “We’re asking anyone with information to please come forward.”

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