Two people have been charged in connection with the murder of 45-year-old Burnaby resident Masood Masjoody, the RCMP says.
Masjoody had been reported missing last month, with police launching an investigation into his whereabouts on Feb. 2. They said his disappearance was out of character and criminality was involved; however, it wasn’t thought to be related to gangs or extortion.
Over the last few weeks, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) conducted searches in multiple locations of interest.
After an extensive search, police located Masjoody’s remains in Mission on March 6.
Related:
This week, two North Vancouver residents, a 48-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman, were arrested in relation to the homicide. Each has been charged with one count of first-degree murder.
Social media posts show Masjoody has a history of activism in relation to events in Iran, and IHIT Sgt. Freda Fong said last month that police were investigating whether his disappearance may be connected to that activism.
Police say they will provide more information Saturday afternoon.
“We understand this case has impacted the Iranian community and has generated widespread concern and public interest,” Fong said in a news release Saturday.
“While the motive is still under investigation, we can say the victim and two accused were known to each other.”
More to come.
With files from Jan Schuermann.