Police have issued a warning after two escorts were found dead in the same apartment complex in New Westminster this month.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has taken over the investigations of two suspicious deaths.
"Investigators know both women were engaged in a high risk lifestyle and were working as online escorts," said Sgt. Jennifer Pound, in a media release. "IHIT's priority is to reach out to all escorts and remind them of the risks involved and to take extra precaution as it is unclear at this point why, or even if, they are in fact being targeted."
Forty-five-year-old Jill Lyons was found dead by New Westminster police in her apartment in the 200-block of 11th Street just before 10 p.m. on Aug. 12. The autopsy on her body was unclear, leaving the cause of death unknown. Investigators are now waiting for a toxicology report, which could help determine the cause of death, according to the release.
Karen Nabors, 48, was found dead almost exactly two weeks after Lyons, on Aug. 25. New Westminster police were called to the same apartment complex in the 200-block of 11th Street, according to the release.
Because the women knew each other and were found dead in the same complex, the homicide team will be leading the investigation with the help of the New Westminster police.
Both women - who were working as online escorts - knew each other and were known to police, the release said.
Anyone with information are asked to call the IHIT tip line at 1-877-551-IHIT or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
