Richmond homicide victim Johannes Foo, 23, was a student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and known by his high school friends as 'J-Foo.' By all accounts from his former teachers he was a "quiet person" who "flew under the radar," according to Richmond Christian School superintendent Roger Grose.
"He was not a person that came up on the radar for me. I don't know if he was an honour role student or anything like that," said Grose, who became superintendent about five years ago, around the time Foo graduated in 2008
Foo was, however, an active student, said Grose as he played basketball and was also known for his break-dancing skills.
Foo's mother told the News that she did not know how or why her son was killed. She said he was a good person attending Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
Grose said teachers and staff who knew Foo are grieving.
"They're shocked, they're very saddened. They don't really remember him having trouble as a student here or anywhere. He kind of flew under the radar," said Grose.
Police were called to a home at 8431 Steveston Highway - between No.3 Road and Roseland Gate - at around 4:30 p.m. on Monday where they discovered Foo who was seriously injured on the property.
Paramedics were called in and tried to revive the man to no avail, according to Richmond RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Stephanie Ashton. Immediately thereafter the RCMP Integrated Homicide Investigation Team was called to the scene.
IHIT has remained tight-lipped about the nature of Foo's injuries as well as a motive and whether or not there are suspects.
On Wednesday investigators identified Foo as the victim
A search of Court Services Online revealed no criminal documentation in B.C., although with some criminal cases charges do not show in the online database.
IHIT spokesperson Cpl. Dominic Duchesneau said Tuesday that police don't believe the incident was unprovoked or a random attack but noted it's too early to confirm.
"We don't think it's a random attack. Could it change tomorrow? Potentially," said Duchesneau.
The incident caused the closure of Steveston Highway for most of the night and westbound rush hour traffic was rerouted along Rosehill Drive.
Cheryl Kuchta who lives directly behind the home under investigation said she didn't see or hear anything on Monday but the news of a suspected homicide in her neighbourhood is unsettling.
"It could be a scary thing if it was a gang murder or random," said Kuchta.
On Tuesday police kept two lanes of Steveston Highway closed as white IHIT and forensic vans parked curb side. Prior to a tent being erected on the driveway a CTV news helicopter captured video of tarps laid out on the ground.
IHIT is asking the public for assistance with information and anyone who may have observed suspicious activity is being asked to call the IHIT tipline at 1-877-551-4448 or, to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
More to follow as news becomes available.
