Homicide investigators say they have narrowed the timeline in the case of a 13-year-old Burnaby girl found dead in Central Park early Wednesday.
Investigators say Marrisa Shen was last seen leaving her home near the park at 6 p.m.
They had originally said she was last seen at her home at 1 p.m., but new information has revealed she was last seen alive five hours later.
Shen was reported missing by her family just after 11:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Her body was located in the brush in the southeast part of the park at about 1:10 a.m. Wednesday.
While investigators say an autopsy will be needed to determine whether or not her death was a homicide, Insp. Sanjaya Wijayakoon, acting officer in charge of the Burnaby detachment, is urging residents to be vigilant.
“Many details into the cause of Miss Shen’s death are currently unknown,” he said, “but we ask that families have a conversation with their kids about safety. It’s always good to do this with your kids. We asked that you be vigilant and be aware of your surroundings.”
Shen, who was ready to enter high school in September, was last contacted by phone at 5 p.m., according to the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), which has taken the lead in the investigation.
The final phone call revealed little about her whereabouts, according to IHIT spokesperson Cpl. Meghan Foster.
Police wouldn’t comment on what led them to Shen’s body in the park or what evidence was recovered at the scene.
There are no suspects at this time.
IHIT is now asking anyone who may have seen Shen between 6 p.m. Tuesday and 1 a.m. Wednesday to contact police.
Investigators are also asking anyone who might have noticed anything suspicious in or near the park Tuesday evening to contact police.
“Miss Shen’s death is a tragedy, and her family has been left devastated,” Foster told media Wednesday.
Anyone with information is asked to phone 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email [email protected]. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
