The man whose dismembered body parts were found beside a Langley road earlier this week has been identified as a 27-year-old believed to have gang ties.
The remains discovered in a remote area near 243 Street and Robertson Crescent on Wednesday morning belong to Shaun Alan Clary, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team revealed Friday.
Though police believe Clary has gang associations, IHIT said it's too early to link his murder to heightened tensions between Metro Vancouver gangsters.
Cpl. Meghan Foster said the motive is still under investigation, and that evidence is being gathered by IHIT's police partners in the Lower Mainland and beyond. She also asked anyone with information on the disturbing case to come forward.
"The targeted and barbaric nature of this homicide is not lost on investigators or the public," Foster said in a statement.
"There are individuals out there who have the intimate details in regards to the flagrant disregard for Mr. Clary's life. We are looking to speak with those individuals."
Earlier in the day, B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike Morris was moved to issue a statement on the recent reports of gang shootings and killings in the province.
Morris said he understands and shares the public's concerns about violence, but assured that anti-gang units "have their targets set on these known gang members and their associates."
"Young people who are thinking a gang lifestyle is glamourous should pay attention to the violent outcomes we've been seeing lately. I encourage parents to talk about these stories with youth in their homes," Morris said.
Anyone with information on Clary's murder can contact IHIT at 1-877-551-4448, or Crime Stopper sat 1-800-222-TIPS to remain anonymous.
