A man's body was discovered in a Richmond park popular with joggers and cyclists early Monday morning, and investigators say the death appears targeted.

The remains were identified as those of 28-year-old Muzaffer Darwaish, a resident of Richmond last seen leaving his residence on Sunday evening.

Cpl. Dennis Hwang said the grim discovery was made around 6:30 a.m., and RCMP teams were dispatched to the area.

Police cordoned off public access to the northern portion of Terra Nova Rural Park with yellow caution tape, and the coroner was called in. A black tent near the banks of the Fraser River was set up and authorities could be seen taking photos around the area.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has taken conduct of the investigation, and will be working in conjunction with Richmond RCMP on the case.

IHIT said Tuesday that Darwaish suffered gunshot wounds, and that his homicide is believed to have been targeted. The victim was known to police, and his death does not appear to be connected to other homicides or acts of violence, IHIT said.

A man of the same name and birth year was charged in connection with a 2015 stabbing near a New Westminster adult learning centre, but officials said they could not confirm whether the victim is the same person.

Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to call the IHIT tipline at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihittipline@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.