Police have identified the body found in a burned-out SUV in South Surrey Wednesday morning as Surrey resident Bhavkiran (Kiran) Dhesi, 19.
Police found Dhesi’s body in the 18700-block of 24 avenue after originally being called out for a vehicle fire at 12:20 a.m.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team tweeted Thursday morning just before noon that Dhesi’s death is not believed to be random, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-4448 or email ihitinfo@rcmp.grc.gc.ca
In a news release send just before noon, IHIT was said to be working closely with the Surrey RCMP to determine motive and the victim’s whereabouts prior to her murder.
“Miss Dhesi was not known to police, and the investigation to date indicates that her death was not related to gang activity,” the release states.
“Police are working tirelessly to advance this investigation and want to speak with any friends and acquaintances that knew Miss Dhesi.” Cpl. Meghan Foster said in the release.
“Miss Dhesi was a college student, and had recently recovered from a kidney transplant. This death is a crushing blow to Miss Dhesi’s family, and they are suffering terribly.”
IHIT investigators have spoken with a number of persons of interests relating to the murder victim, who police described as a good student.
Foster said Dhesi was last seen leaving her family home at 9 p.m. Tuesday night – 3½ hours before her body was discovered in her family-owned SUV.
“I understand she was going to meet friends,” Foster said, noting she could not reveal if the Surrey teenager actually kept the appointment with her friends.
Foster said investigators do not believe the 18700-block of 24 Avenue area is where the murder was committed.
“I can’t speak to where we believe the initial crime scene was,” she said.
Police have spoken with a number of persons of interests, Foster said, though she cannot speak to the nature of the relationship they had with the victim.
“The number of suspect, or suspects, all I can say is we are speaking with persons of interest.”
Foster said Dhesi had struggled with health issues the last couple of years, and recently recovered from a kidney transplant.
“She persevered through all of that, and to have this happen is overwhelming for the family. They are very upset and our hearts and thoughts are with them right now.”
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