Police confirm foul play in Island man’s death

VICTORIA Foul play was involved in the death of a Metchosin man, West Shore RCMP say.

“The investigation has made significant progress in developing leads and suspects in the death of Martin Payne,” said Staff Sgt. Raj Sandhu, acting officer in charge of West Shore RCMP.

Payne was found in his home on Brookview Drive on Friday after he was reported missing from work. His red Ford F150 pickup truck was found by Oak Bay police on Woodburn Avenue on July 9 at 1 p.m., three days before Payne’s body was discovered.

Police are asking the public to review footage from security and vehicle dash cameras that might have captured Payne’s truck between the afternoon of July 8 and 1 p.m. on July 9. The red and grey truck is an extended cab 4x4 with a black metal “headache rack” — which goes across the back of the cab — and black bed rails. Police are also asking anyone who observed suspicious activity in the Metchosin area, particularly around Brookview Drive, between the evening of July 7 and midday July 9, to contact them. Residents with security cameras are asked to review footage during this period and report any suspicious activity.

Payne worked at B.C. Mail Plus, a government service responsible for preparing and delivering internal government mail. In comments online, government workers called Payne, who delivered mail to their offices, a kind and generous man.

The Ministry of Citizens’ Services, which oversees B.C. Mail Plus, is providing support to staff at the mail service.

In a statement, the ministry said: “This situation is tragic and our hearts and thoughts go out to Martin’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

On his Facebook page, Payne described himself as an “ordinary, average guy” who liked hiking, biking and photography.

The investigation of the death, is being led by the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit. Anyone with information is asked to contact them at 250-380-6211.