A 36-year-old man found dead on the bank of the Fraser River Saturday evening was the victim of murder, police say.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team announced Tuesday it was taking over the investigation into the death of Christian Klatt, whose body was found near Sapperton Landing at about 6:45 p.m. on Aug. 16.
Police say foul play was determined through an autopsy but haven’t said how the victim died or why.
“Currently the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has conduct (of the case), and we are working closely with the (New West police) to identify witnesses, persons of interest and determine a motive,” the release read.
Klatt’s murder is the first homicide of 2014 in the Royal City. Investigators believe he was homeless and living in a makeshift camp near where his body was found.
Last year, there were four homicides committed in New West. Karen Nabors and Jill Lyons were killed in their apartments in August 2013, and 19-year-old Karim Meskine was beaten to death near the 22nd Street SkyTrain station.
Anyone with information regarding Klatt’s murder is asked to call the homicide police tipline 1-877-551-4448 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
