Two Coquitlam residents have been identified as the victims in an ongoing homicide investigation.
Kiesha Garie, 31, and Umair Kasim, 30, were found inside a vehicle parked near Burnaby's Alpha Secondary School around 1:45 p.m. on Monday (Oct. 17), according to an update from the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT).
In a news release today (Oct. 19), spokesperson Sgt. Timothy Pierotti said both Garie and Kasim were recently reported missing to Coquitlam Mounties.
By releasing their names, officers are hoping this can move the case forward.
"This is a complex investigation that spans multiple jurisdictions," Pierotti said, noting the public is being urged to call IHIT with any details they may have about the homicide.
"There are people out there who have seen Ms. Garie and Mr. Kasim over the past week, and we are urging them to come forward immediately."
RCMP said the bodies were found in a vehicle parked on the 900-block of Alpha Avenue, near the intersection with Venables Street.
IHIT is set to work with police from Coquitlam and Burnaby in building a timeline of events leading up the bodies' discoveries earlier this week, including when both Garie and Kasim were last seen.
BC Coroners Service and the RCMP Forensic Identification Section have also been deployed.
Pierotti said more information will be released when it becomes available.
Anyone with more information about the homicide is urged to call IHIT at 1-877-551-4448 or email [email protected].
- with a file from Cornelia Naylor, Burnaby NOW
