THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team announced on Tuesday that the body found in Richmond on Monday was that of Muzaffer Darwaish, 28, of Richmond.

IHIT Cpl. Meghan Foster said: “Mr. Darwaish was known to police, and his death is believed to be targeted. It is still early in the investigation, but Mr. Darwaish’s murder does not appear to be associated to any other homicides, or recent acts of violence.”

On April 24, just before 6:30 a.m., the Richmond RCMP responded to a report of a dead male in the 2800-block of River Road at the Terra Nova Rural Park. When police arrived, they located a male victim and confirmed he had suffered gunshot wounds. The investigation was deemed a homicide and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) took conduct.

Darwaish was last seen leaving his residence on the evening of April 23. A review of the evidence gathered so far indicates that Darwaish’s murder was targeted, according to IHIT.

According to media reports, in March 2015, Darwaish was one of three people who were arrested by New Westminster Police in connection with a January 30, 2015 stabbing near a New Westminster adult learning centre.

He and Zahir Darwiash, 23 at the time, of Richmond, were charged with aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. A third person, who was a youth and could not legally be named, was charged with aggravated assault.

IHIT investigators are working in partnership with the Richmond RCMP, the Integrated Forensic Identification Section, and the BC Coroner’s Service to gather and review evidence.

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 Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).