IHIT identifies victim whose body was found in burning car in Popkum

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has identified the victim whose body was found in a burning car in the Popkum area of Chilliwack last week.

The Agassiz RCMP said police and fire crews responded to reports of a car fire on Cheam Road shortly after 11:30 p.m., where they found the deceased individual in the vehicle.

Mounties say the victim was 22-year-old Hamza Fazil of Surrey, who had a history of interactions with police.

“Investigators believe this was a targeted incident with links to the B.C. Gang Conflict,” police said.

Fazil’s family had first reported him missing on July 27, around 9 p.m. on Old Yale Road near 133 Street.

“This investigation is still in the early stages,” says Corp. Sukhi Dhesi of IHIT. “Investigators are looking to build a timeline of Mr. Fazil’s activities prior to the homicide. We would urge anyone with information about him or his activities in the days leading up to his death to contact investigators.”

Witnesses or anyone who may have dash cam footage from the area around Cheam Road and Bridal Falls Road between 10 p.m. July 27 and 1 a.m. July 28 are asked to call IHIT at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

— With files from Jan Schuermann.