Family members are speaking out after three people were found dead inside a Surrey house, calling them a 'happy' family who loved each other.
On Jan. 9, Surrey RCMP responded to a residence on 112 Avenue and found three bodies inside the house. Police said all three individuals were family members and no one else was located on the property.
Following the discovery, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) took over the case and had a large presence in the days following.
Xiao Yan Zhen, 58; Li Li, 58; and Daniel Li, 24, have been identified as the deceased.
"When we heard the tragic news, we were strongly shocked with profound sadness,” says Zhijun Li. "In our memory, they were a happy family, loving each other.”
The family is requesting for no photographs of the individuals to be published.
“To respect the deceased, it is our hope that the acquaintances and friends of them do not disclose the details of the family to the public,” says Li.
Li thanked the police officers who provided the family with support and help.
The BC Coroners Service and the RCMP Integrated Forensic Identification Section are also assisting in the investigation.
"We are still investigating and the coroner has yet to provide a cause of death,” says Sgt. Timothy Pierotti of IHIT.
Pierotti said the deaths "appear" to be a murder-suicide.
“It appears that way, though we are not ruling out any possibility before a proper investigation is completed," says Pierotti.
Anyone with information is being asked to contact IHIT at 1-877-551-4448. Meanwhile, people who need support can call Surrey RCMP Victim Services at 604-599-7600.
