Murder charge laid before victim positively identified

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team announced Friday that a Burnaby man named Ryan Jack Armstrong has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the human remains found near Stave Lake this week.

IHIT Sgt. Stephanie Ashton said Armstrong appeared in court yesterday and has been remanded until April 21.

Court Services Online shows an appearance for the 29-year-old man in Abbotsford Provincial Court.

The online database indicates the murder occurred on March 29 – the same day as the remains of a female were found on a road leading to Stave Lake.

Armstrong is also charged with committing an in indignity to a human body.

Ashton said “the victim has been tentatively identified.”

“However confirmation is being sought through an autopsy.  Our early investigative theory supports this as a targeted homicide and it is believed that the victim and suspect were known to each other,” Ashton said.

“An important piece to this investigation was the support of the public who came forward with information that has aided in the rapid progression from initial investigation to charge approval.”