Police identify murder victims, say attack may have been random
Married couple found dead Wednesday afternoon in their Marpole home
Vancouver police have identified the victims in Wednesday’s double murder.
Married couple Diana MahJones, 65, and Richard Jones, 68, were found dead in their home on Wednesday around 1:30 p.m. after police were called to check on the well-being of the Marpole residents. Police said the homicides, the city’s 14th and 15th of the year, appear to be random.
“This investigation is a top priority for the VPD,” said Const. Jason Doucette.
“There is nothing so far to suggest this was anything but a random crime. That’s why we are asking the public to look out for one another, and report anything suspicious to 911.”
Mah-Jones was a well-respected occupational therapist with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH). In 2015, she was named the Outstanding Occupational Therapist of the Year by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists B.C.
In June, she was honoured as the VCH and Provincial Health Care Hero at the annual B.C. Health Care Awards.
“Vancouver Coastal Health is shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Dianna Mah-Jones and her husband,” the organization said in a release Friday. “Our deepest sympathies go to her family, friends and colleagues.”
“A compassionate health care professional, she was a muchloved member of the VCH family for 35 years who achieved much in her career.”
There is still no timeline for when the Joneses died before being found by police. Officers continue to canvass the neighbourhood in search of possible security footage and witness accounts.
On Thursday afternoon, police announced they were looking for a 2014 white Kia Soul that was believed to be missing from the home.
That vehicle was found later that evening, around 9:30 p.m., parked and unoccupied.
Investigators are now trying to determine whether the car had any role in the crime.
Police have cautioned the public to be vigilant, and report any suspicious behaviour to the authorities.