Death of 60-year-old Martin Payne in Metchosin believed to be an ‘isolated incident:’ police

CHEK

Police say the death of a 60-year-old man whose body was found in his Metchosin home is believed to be an “isolated incident” and they have made significant progress in finding suspects.

Martin Payne’s body was found on July 12 at his house in the 1000-block of Brookview Drive.

According to West Shore RCMP, Payne’s death is suspicious and foul play is confirmed.

The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) is leading the investigation with the West Shore RCMP, RCMP E Division Serious Crime Unit, Forensic Identification, and specialized resources of the RCMP and other police agencies.

Staff Sgt. Raj Sandhu, acting officer in charge of West Shore RCMP, said the investigative team includes more than 20 police officers.

“The investigation has made significant progress in developing leads and suspects in the death of Martin Payne.

Police believe this crime is an isolated incident. The investigation continues and investigators are working hard at processing the scene, gathering evidence and pursuing all avenues of investigation,” Sandhu said in a statement.

Cpl. Chris Dovell, media relations officer for the West Shore RCMP, said they are still asking for witnesses who may have seen the Payne’s red Ford F150 pickup with B.C. licence plate 7432HY between the afternoon of July 8 and July 9 at 1:00 p.m. to come forward.

People are also asked to review any security and vehicle dash cameras that may have captured the Ford F150. The truck is an extended cab 4×4, two-tone red/grey, running boards, with a black metal headache rack and black bed rails.

Police are also asking people who were in the were in the Metchosin area from the evening of July 7 to midday July 9 and observed any suspicious activity, particularly in the area of the 1000 block Brookview Drive, to contact police. Residents with security cameras are asked to review their systems for this time period and report any suspicious activity to police.

Oak Bay police found Payne’s red Ford F150 pickup truck on July 9 around 1 p.m. on Woodburn Avenue.

Sixty-year-old Martin Payne's vehicle was found in Oak Bay before Payne was found dead (Photo: RCMP)

Sixty-year-old Martin Payne’s vehicle was found in Oak Bay before Payne was found dead (Photo: RCMP)

Anyone with information can call the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit at 250-380-6211.

CHEK NewsCHEK News

Recent Stories

Send us your news tips and videos!