Police try to ease safety fears as search for suspect in Abbotsford double homicide continues
Police in Abbotsford were once again at the home of a senior couple found dead on Monday, continuing their search for a killer and a motive, after publicly announcing they don’t know if the violent crime was targeted or random.
“We are still collecting evidence, at this stage right now, interviewing witnesses, and constructing a timeline,” said Sgt. David Lee of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.
The victims – 77-year-old Arnold De Jong and his wife, 76-year-old Joanne De Jong – were not previously known to police.
Simon Fraser University criminologist Rob Gordon says, based on his experience, he would be surprised if the couple were killed randomly.
“There was a reason for doing it and that’s for police to establish. I don’t think it was a random attack, per se,” he said, adding that police will be searching the couple’s recent contacts for anything out of the ordinary.
“They’re going to want to see who Mr. and Mrs. De Jong consort with, who their neighbours are, who their adult children are, in particular, and whether there are any clues there about who might have been responsible.”
A family member who does not live at the house made the gruesome discovery the day after Mother’s Day.
On Thursday, people could be seen stopping by the couple’s home to pay respects and lay flowers, as police attempt to ease community safety fears in the wake of the murders.
“Abbotsford PD patrol officers are on heightened alert right now and we have a lot officers in the area, doing canvassing and speaking to witnesses,” said Lee. “So, while there is an increased amount of risk, there is also a large police presence in the area.”
Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun, who knew the couple personally, issued a statement saying their loss has been "felt by many in our community."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the De Jong family at this time, and our most sincere condolences go to out to them and their loved ones," Braun wrote. "Losing loved ones is not easy."
With so many unanswered questions about who killed the de Jongs, and why, police continue to appeal for anyone who was in the area over the weekend, and any drivers who may have dash cam video, to come forward.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.