The RCMP is appealing to the public for any information they may have about the homicide of Marvin Hankins, 75, who was found dead in his Fourth Avenue home on Friday, Jan. 13.
Interviews conducted by investigators have begun to shed light on the incident but they need to look beyond the people they’ve questioned for answers.
“Investigators believe that there may be additional persons who may have specific information about the homicide and want to speak with them,” RCMP Cpl. Jen Allan said.
Allan did not give specifics as to why the RCMP is appealing to the public, or who precisely they are trying to appeal to.
An autopsy has since been concluded but Allan would not disclose when Hankins died, what the cause of death was, or if there was a weapon found at the scene.
The general investigation section and Island major crimes unit has now been joined by the Vancouver Island Integrated major crimes unit, bringing the number of investigators working the case to 16.
No direct link is yet being drawn to the home invasion and robbery of 83-year-old Reino Koivunen on Jan. 10. “It’s still being considered though,” Allan said.
Persons with information can contact Port Alberni RCMP at 250-723-2424 or they can provide their information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or e-mailing the information at www.avcrimestoppers.ca.
A tipster can earn up to $2,000 for providing information that leads to an arrest.
reporter@albernivalleynews.com