Abbotsford: On March 3, 2017 just after 5:00 p.m. the Abbotsford Police Department responded to a report of a found body in 4500 block of Ross Road.
When police arrived, a deceased male victim was located and appeared to have succumbed to injuries consistent with foul play. It was determined quickly that the male victim’s death was a homicide, and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) took conduct.
The male victim has been identified as 24-year-old, Joseph KELLINGTON, a Mission resident, and his murder appears to be targeted.
Mr. Kellington was reported missing to the Mission RCMP on January 31, 2017, at which time an investigation into his disappearance was conducted. Through the course of the Mission RCMP’s investigation, Mr. Kellington was last confirmed alive on January 29, 2017 in the Abbotsford area.
IHIT is working in partnership with the APD, the Mission RCMP, IFIS, and the BC Coroner’s Service. Investigators are working to determine when Mr. Kellington’s death occurred, and are asking anyone with information to contact police. A review of the evidence gathered so far does not link Mr. Kellington’s murder to other incidents of gang violence that have occurred in the Abbotsford area.
Cpl. Meghan FOSTER of IHIT says, Investigators are looking to speak with anyone who may have seen Mr. Kellington from January 29 and onwards. Mr. Kellington was known to police, but it is still early in the investigation and police are working to determine the motive for his death.
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. Should you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
