Mounties release new images in Kamloops, B.C., homicide investigation

Mark Hoffman was last seen alive at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 15, 2023, when he was making a purchase at a liquor store near Kamloops. (Handout)

Homicide investigators are hoping newly released surveillance images will help shed some light on the unsolved death of a man whose body was found last year on a wilderness trail in the British Columbia Interior.

Mark Hoffman was last seen alive at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 15, 2023, when he was making a purchase at a liquor store near Kamloops.

Hoffman's body was found the following day near the Inks Lake Road recreation site off Highway 5, southwest of the city. His dog was also found dead nearby.

On Monday, marking the one-year anniversary of the discovery of Hoffman's body, the B.C. RCMP published previously unreleased images of Hoffman at Jimmy's Liquor Store, located at 408 Paul Lake Road, on the evening before he was found dead.

The Kamloops man's green Ford Explorer, which he was driving when he visited the liquor store, was found near where his body was discovered, according to police.

In the early days of the investigation, police released photos showing Hoffman, his dog and his vehicle, hoping someone might be able to provide investigators with information about the man's final hours.

Related: Man found dead with dog near Kamloops was victim of homicide, RCMP say

"This remains an open and active investigation," Staff Sgt. Jason Smart of the B.C. RCMP Southeast District Major Crime Unit said in a statement Monday.

"We're urging anyone who had contact with Mark Hoffman, saw his vehicle, or has any information that may help solve this crime to contact us."

The statement said the RCMP remains committed to obtaining justice for Hoffman and his family.

"Even the smallest detail could be critical in piecing together the events leading to Mark Hoffman’s death," police said.

Anyone with information related to the homicide is asked contact investigators at 1-877-987-8477.