The death of a 23-year-old Surrey man whose body was discovered Tuesday morning in the Whalley neighbourhood has been deemed a homicide.
Phillip Oun was found near 102 Avenue and Park Drive at around 11 a.m. under suspicious circumstances. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team determined he was met with foul play Wednesday after an autopsy was completed.
Oun’s death marks the 24th murder of the year in Surrey.
Sgt. Adam MacIntosh said the deceased was known to police and had been involved in criminal activity.
“This homicide is believed to have been a targeted attack and IHIT investigators along with the Surrey RCMP have resources in place and are working to determine the motive for the killing,” MacIntosh said in a statement.
The cause of death has not been released. Witnesses told CTV News Oun was left face-down in a ditch in an area that appeared to be a construction site.
Investigators are hoping to speak to anyone who may have seen something suspicious in the area where his body was found between 10 p.m. Monday and 11 a.m. Tuesday.
They’re also searching for Oun’s vehicle, which is described as a blue, 2008 Chrysler Sebring with B.C. licence plate 741 TMP.
Information and tips can be given through the IHIT tip line at 1-877-551-4448 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
