The Coquitlam RCMP is releasing more details of an ongoing investigation into a “suspicious” death.
In an update Tuesday, Mounties say officers found the body of a woman in her “late-20’s deceased inside the resident” along Burns Road near Dominion Avenue in Port Coquitlam on April 16.
The Coquitlam RCMP says its General Investigative Services team has taken over the file, and has notified the Lower Mainland’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT).
“Until the circumstances that led to the woman’s death can be confirmed, Coquitlam GIS will continue to lead the investigation while liaising with IHIT,” said Corp. Alexa Hodgins.
“Investigators believe that there are people who may have critical information about this suspicious death and are asking those individuals to contact the Coquitlam RCMP.”
Mounties believe the incident to be “isolated,” adding it is “not connected to any other investigation” or the ongoing B.C. gang conflict.
“There is no risk to the public,” Mounties said.
The update comes after days of speculation after Mounties had been stationed at the house since April 16. Burns Road has seen on and off closures between Dominion and Prairie avenues during the investigation.
The ongoing police presence, complete with an Emergency Command vehicle and individuals wearing full-body white hazmat suits, has had the rumour mill churning for days.
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One neighbour told CityNews the Burns Road property has been no stranger to trouble in the past.
“I’ve been dealing with this for the last three years, I’m kind of sick of it. I leave for work at 2:30 in the morning and they’re in the back and they’ve got grinders going and their whole backyard’s lit up and they’re racing around on their dirt bikes all over the place, in front of the yard here,” a man who lives near the home said last week.
Hodgins says she understands the lengthy police presence has left many locals with questions. However, Mounties are stressing there is no risk to the public.
“It was just part of the investigation. We were there for almost a week and the property is quite extensive, consisting of multiple buildings, as well as just the land size of the property,” she told CityNews.
The RCMP says anyone with information can contact investigators at 604-945-1550 and quote file 2024-9498.
-With files from Srushti Gangdev