Police have identified a body found in Richmond as belonging to a North Delta resident reported missing last month.
Richmond RCMP responded to the 22000-block of Fraserwood Way just before 1 p.m. on March 3 after people walking along the Fraser River reported finding a body. The deceased has been identified as 52-year-old Allen William Skedden.
Skedden was reported missing on Feb. 22 after leaving his residence in the 7800-block of 117 Street in North Delta the day before and not returning.
Police say Skedden was found “with injuries that have not ruled out foul play” and that his death has been deemed suspicious. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), along with the Delta Police Department, Richmond RCMP, IFIS and the BC Coroner’s Service, is investigating to determine what events transpired after Skedden’s disappearance on Feb. 21.
“Collectively, the police agencies involved are working to determine how and when Mr. Skedden died,” said RCMP Cpl. Meghan Foster, IHIT media relations officer, in a statement to media.
Foster said she couldn’t discuss the results of an autopsy performed on Skedden earlier this week, but that it did not rule out foul play and the circumstances of his death remain suspicious.
Foster said Skedden was known to the RCMP and confirmed he had a criminal record.
Based on their initial investigation into his disappearance, Delta Police believe Skedden was last seen on Feb. 21 between 6 and 8 p.m at Queensborough Landing (800-block Boyd St., New Westminster), possibly getting into a white van.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448), or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. To remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
- With files from Grace Kennedy.
(below) Allen William Skedden. Photo credit: Kelly Brent Cleland/Facebook