Investigators have confirmed a homicide has occurred in Chilliwack, in an area known to be frequented by unhoused people.
The body of 37-year-old Chantelle Ruhl was found on April 21, at about 11 a.m., near the train tracks that cross Knight Road. The area was cordoned off immediately and a police tent was put up, but Chilliwack RCMP initially referred to the incident as a "suspicious occurrence."
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) announced the following day that they have taken over the case, and confirmed the deceased person's identity. They stated that Ruhl had no fixed address and was known to "frequent the area where her body was found."
The area, technically in the 7500 block of Vedder Road, is located behind an old Canadian Tire building, a bottle depot, various businesses, train tracks and a trail system that connects the north and south ends of Chilliwack.
When Ruhl's body was discovered, Chilliwack RCMP Serious Crimes Unit worked in conjunction with the Integrated Forensic Identification Service. They referred the investigation to IHIT who determined that Ruhl was the victim of a homicide.
IHIT said they will continue to work in close partnership with Chilliwack RCMP, forensics, and the BC Coroners Service to advance the investigation. They added that investigators are in the area completing an extensive ground search for evidence and canvassing for witnesses and video.
They also released Ruhl's name and photo in the hopes of gaining more information from the public.
鈥淚t is essential for investigators to establish a timeline leading up to Ms. Ruhl鈥檚 death,鈥� says Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT. 鈥淲e believe there are people who have information about Ms. Ruhl鈥檚 movements between Wednesday, April 16, 2025 and Monday, April 21, 2025, and it is important for us to talk to them.鈥�
Any witnesses or anyone with dash-camera footage who was in the area of the 7500 block of Vedder Road during this timeframe is urged to contact IHIT by calling the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
