ON Friday, January 3 at 2:46 p.m., Abbotsford Police Department responded to a vehicle fire at Sumas Mountain Regional Park. First responders located a 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander that was engulfed in flames and, upon extinguishing the fire, they discovered what appeared to be human remains inside the vehicle.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) was deployed to Abbotsford and has been working with Abbotsford Police, Forensic Identification Services, and the BC Coroners Service to advance the investigation. With assistance from the RCMP Tactical Troop, a thorough search of the park was conducted for evidence.

IHIT said on Wednesday that it could confirm that the remains of two individuals were located inside the burnt vehicle.

“Although the circumstances surrounding the deaths are still being examined, we do not believe this was a random incident, and therefore, there is no ongoing risk to the public,” said IHIT Sgt. Freda Fong.

“We would like to thank several patrons at the park who rendered assistance and came forward to speak with the police. The details of this case may be disturbing to some and those who are feeling affected are encouraged to seek support. IHIT Victim Services is available to anyone in need of assistance.”

Anyone who may have information about this case is being asked to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.