The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is investigating human remains found on the banks of the Fraser River in north Abbotsford on Sunday.
At about 8 a.m. that day, a citizen was walking along the river in an area off Walters Street. The person spotted what appeared to be human remains entangled in some debris at the water’s edge.
Abbotsford Police Department (APD) patrol officers, forensic identification members and major crime unit detectives responded to the scene and attempted to extricate the apparently decomposed human remains for further examination and investigation.
Based on investigators' observations, the circumstances were deemed to be suspicious and the APD contacted IHIT. An autopsy will be performed to determine if this is a homicide.
The sex, identity and cause of death are not yet known.
IHIT's Sgt. Adam MacIntosh said they will continue to work with the APD and "our priority is to determine this person's identity and notify their next of kin."
Anyone with information can call the IHIT Tipline at 1-877-551-4448 or email ihittipline@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave a tip at Solvecrime.ca.