ON October 18, 2019 at around 5:30 p.m., 58-year-old Stephen Chong was found dead inside his business in the 8200-block of Granville Avenue in Richmond. After an assessment of the scene by Richmond RCMP, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) was called in as the circumstances surrounding Chong’s death appeared suspicious.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said on Thursday that it continues to actively investigate Chong’s murder and investigators have been diligently following the evidence trail, which has helped in piecing some of the details together.
Chong was a notary public in Richmond with no record of criminality. His death had a profound impact amongst his professional community. IHIT said it still needs anyone with information to come forward.
The Society of Notaries Public of BC is appealing for the public’s help to identify those responsible for Chong’s murder and is offering a reward for information.
In a statement, it said: “Stephen Sing Wai Chong was a member of the Society of Notaries Public and a proud notary public since 2008, his notary office was in Richmond, BC. Stephen was fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin and was able to serve his clients in all three languages. He took special pride in the services that he provided to clients building strong relationships with his clients and community.
“He was a well-respected legal professional known for his honesty, reliability, and as a person of integrity to both clients and fellow notaries. Stephen was a mentor and confidant to many in the legal community.
“Sadly, in 2019 we lost Stephen when he was killed in his Richmond office. Stephen was 58 years old and was looking forward to spending time with his wife and family. His death had a tremendous impact on his family, clients, friends, and all other notaries in the province.
“The Society of Notaries Public of BC is offering a reward of $10,000 for information provided to IHIT that leads to the arrest and charge of the individual or individuals responsible for the murder of Stephen.”
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.
