A Coquitlam family is grieving after a horrific tragedy unfolded in their Eagleridge Drive home on Friday afternoon, leaving a 22-year-old woman dead and her mother, the woman suspected of killing her, found floating in Buntzen Lake.
Coquitlam RCMP were called to the home in the 1100-block of Eagleridge Drive shortly before 5 p.m. on July 15, where they found the young woman unresponsive. Paramedics were called in and pronounced her dead at the scene.
"The female appeared to have sustained injuries that were consistent with foul play and at that point IHIT was called in," said the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team's S/Sgt. Jennifer Pound in a statement.
The suspect had escaped before police arrived and police and Coquitlam Search and Rescue launched a search for her.
The woman's vehicle was located at Buntzen Lake and at 6 a.m. on Saturday her body was pulled from the water. Pound would not say whether the woman's car was spotted in the parking lot before the park gates are locked at 8 p.m. nightly or before they are re-opened at 8 a.m.
"While evidence gathered suggests this to be a tragic case of murder/suicide, there remains much work to be done," Pound said.
A neighbour said they've known the family of four for several years and said although he was at home on Friday he didn't hear anything.
"I left to pick up my son and when I came back the police were here," said the man, who asked not to be named. "They're very quiet, they're really nice people. She's a super nice lady and the mom is just really quiet. I never once heard a peep. It's shocking."
The family hosted a Bible study session at their home every Saturday night and the families talked regularly, especially since their young sons often played together.
A memorial has sprung up outside the house with flowers and cards taped to the fence.
"You went home to be with our Lord Jesus," said one sign. "We love you and miss you, you will always be in our hearts. Until we meet again, God bless you and your family."
Pound said the family is co-operating as they attempt to process the loss, with help from Victims' Services.
Police have not released the names of the two women.
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