‘Suspicious’ deaths probed as two bodies found in house
Two people were found dead in a Vancouver house Wednesday, and the police are treating their deaths as “suspicious.”
Neighbours in the Marpole area said they had heard reports that the victims were killed with a hatchet, which was left on the front lawn and trailed blood into the house but police did not confirm any details.
“Detectives from (the Vancouver Police Department’s) Homicide Unit have been called to the scene to take over the investigation,” said a brief police news release.
“It is still very early in the investigation, so there is no additional information to share at this time.”
By 4 p.m. several police in white protective suits were combing through the bushes and yard outside a modest blue home in the 1200 block of West 64th, near Selkirk.
“I’m just stunned,” said neighbour Amy Kelly, who was out walking her dog. “I’ve had three of my co-workers text me. I walk my dog around here, go out at midnight, one o’clock in the morning. It’s a safe neighbourhood.”
A couple of neighbours feared one of the victims was an “older gentleman” who lived in the house.
“I see him often when I’m going to Safeway,” said Donna, who has lived on the street for five decades.
“He’s probably around 65 or something.
“He hasn’t been really well, he walks with a walker because he had a chronic problem of some kind.”
She said about a week and a half ago she noticed a group of young men emerging from the basement of the house in the morning.
“I thought ‘Oh he must have a B&B or something,’ because that’s really weird, seeing all those young fellows coming out of there,” she said.
“I don’t know what to say, I’m floored. It’s terribly sad. I can’t believe this actually happened — it doesn’t seem possible.” now for this easement?” he said. “How does the minister now protect Coldwater’s interest in the land now and going forward?”
Spahan said the decision will help Coldwater fight to protect its land.
He said Coldwater is in court again Monday to oppose Kinder Morgan’s plan to locate part of its second pipeline project over an aquifer that supplies community water.
“I feel very pleased and happy,” said Spahan. “It’s another step forward to letting the government know they have to deal with us now.”
“I would return the matter to the responsible minister for redetermination,” says the 41-page decision.
Kinder Morgan spokeswoman Ali Hounsell said in a statement that the court decision does not affect the daily operations of the Trans Mountain pipeline or the expansion project.