Family seeks help in solving mystery of 37-year-old man found dead in Richmond

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      Over one year after a 37-year-old man was murdered, investigators are asking for the public’s help for more information, particularly from individuals who are withholding information about the incident.

      At 8:34 a.m. on September 20, 2018, Richmond RCMP were called to an abandoned house in the 9100 block of Odlin Road in Richmond where they found the body of Michael Thompson with injuries on his body suggesting murder. IHIT had previously stated that Thompson was known to police.

      The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) took over the case and detectives have been collecting evidence, including surveillance footage.

      Investigators learned that Thompson’s last confirmed location before his death was at a McDonald’s at the Walmart Super Centre at 9251 Alderbridge Way in Richmond around 11:10 p.m. on September 19.

      At the time, he was wearing a black baseball cap (worn backwards), a black jacket with a grey hoodie underneath, blue jeans, and blue and red Nike runners.

      He left the McDonald’s on a blue and black mountain bike and was towing a grey and blue bike trailer.

      “We are aware of several individuals who have full knowledge of what happened to Michael that night but are not cooperating with investigators,” IHIT Sgt. Frank Jang stated in a news release. “We need them to provide us a statement of what they know so that we can advance Michael’s investigation. We recognize that some witnesses may be worried for their own safety and we want to reassure them that IHIT will address their concerns and treat them with the utmost respect.”

      Anyone with information is asked to contact the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-4448 or by email. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

      Michael Thompson
      Integrated Homicide Investigation Team

      The sister of Thompson, Tina Visentin, issued a statement on behalf of her family to appeal for help in the investigation:

       

      Good morning, my name is Tina I am the only sister of Michael Thompson a.k.a “Mikey.
      It’s been a little over a year since my brother was found murdered in an abandoned house on Odlin Road in Richmond BC. I arrived home that night from work like any other. The knock on the door that night changed my life forever. The police were at my door, I couldn’t even comprehend what they were saying. I was asking myself, are you sure its Mike? What do you mean he is dead? Mike didn’t have enemies, and I couldn’t process anything and nothing made sense. I asked myself who would do this? Why? Mike was well liked and well known and he wasn’t the type to harm or hurt another person.

      Michael was outgoing, friendly and he loved fishing. Mike was always there to help if he could. He was a brother, uncle, nephew, and a son.

      I want people to know my brother was not always having hard times. He had a good job, he made good money, but unfortunately the opiate world got hold of him and took him down a different path.

      Mike had a family who loved and cared for him. He was trying to sort his life out. The people who murdered Mike took a piece from the people who cared and loved him.

      I know there are people out there who have information about what happened to Michael. I know there are friends of Michael who have not come forward to IHIT or have come forward and I have not told the whole story. I know you might be scared, but I ask you, please do the right thing, this was an innocent life taken for no reason. This was my brother and me and my family want justice and closure. Thank you.

      —Tina Visentin

      Michael Thompson
      Integrated Homicide Investigation Team
      You can follow Craig Takeuchi on Twitter at @cinecraig or on Facebook

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