IHIT confirms two dead inside torched vehicle in remote Abbotsford area

Bodies found by firefighters responding to SUV fire on Sumas Mountain on Jan. 3, 2025

The RCMP's Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has taken over the case of two bodies found by Abbotsford firefighters who extinguished a small SUV on fire on Sumas Mountain.

It was at 2:45 p.m. on Jan. 3, 2025 when officers from the Abbotsford Police Department (APD) attended Sumas Mountain Regional Park where there was a report of a vehicle fire.

Abbotsford Fire Rescue Services were dispatched and found a 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander engulfed in flames. Firefighters extinguished the blaze and found the two deceased people inside. No names or even genders were revealed.

IHIT is now working with APD, Forensic Identification Services, and the BC Coroners Service on the investigation. A search through the park was conducted with assistance from the RCMP Tactical Troop.

"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 Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT in an updated statement on Jan. 8, 2025. "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 with information about this case is asked to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

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Paul J. Henderson
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