The RCMP have determined that the death of 76-year-old Yellow Point resident Kenneth Hein was the result of a homicide, an RCMP press release states. The investigation is ongoing.
Hein's body was discovered in his home on Wagon Wheel Trail Thursday, May 16, and his death was deemed suspicious following a preliminary investigation.
Ladysmith RCMP now report that Hein's death was, in fact, a homicide, states Ladysmith RCMP Cpl. Darren Lagan in a press release issued Tuesday, May 21.
Officers from the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit, the Ladysmith RCMP, and the Island District General Investigation Service continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Hein's death, and Hein's residence will remain cordoned off by police tape until the completion of a forensic autopsy later this week.
“We have made significant progress over the last five days, and our investigators are confident they will solve this case,” Lagan wrote. “Based on the evidence and information we have gathered to date, we do not believe there is an increased risk to public safety.”
As the investigation into Hein's death remains “very active,” no additional information will be released at present.
The RCMP thanked the public for its support and cooperation and asked that anyone with information related to the RCMP's ongoing investigation contact the Ladysmith RCMP at 250-245-2215.