Surrey teen’s murder considered random attack
Posted September 18, 2014 2:01 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
SURREY (NEWS1130) – The death of a missing teen in Surrey this week has now been ruled a homicide and is also being considered a random attack.
Investigators are looking for more information in connection to the death of 17-year-old Serena Vermeersch whose body was found Tuesday evening at the Surrey Central Works Yard.
Vermeersch was last seen September 15th getting on a bus at 64th Ave and 128th Street. Investigators are looking for anyone who might have seen a man was seen leaving the area in a grey/silver Dodge full-size 3/4-ton pickup with canopy and roof rack.
He is described as wearing dark clothes, and was seen walking across the tracks and getting into the truck about an hour before her body was found. The truck was seen going west on 66th Avenue, pulled a U-turn and continued east on 66th towards 148th Street.
Superintendent Bill Fordy says on the surface, this looks like a random crime of opportunity committed in a secluded area. “Nothing angers me more than innocent people becoming victims of crime. This is my number one priority and I have redeployed some of the men and women that work with the Surrey RCMP to work along side the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team while maintaining our core policing service to the City of Surrey.”
Fordy is calling on the public to be vigilant and to be aware of their surroundings. “People of all ages, and in particular children are distracted by technology. When possible, walk with a friend and stay in well-lit areas.”
“Trust your instincts, if something doesn’t feel right, please remove yourself from that situation,” added Fordy.
Investigators are still working to determine whether she was murdered in the area or her body was dumped there but they do say the attack does not appear to be targeted.
IHIT is asking anyone with any information to please come forward.
