A man has been charged with murder following a suspicious death inside a Saanich residence earlier this month.
According to Saanich Police, officers began investigating after a death was reported inside a home in the 1600 block of Blair Avenue on January 5th.
The Saanich Police Major Crime Unit initially led the investigation before being turned over later that day to the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU).
Police say a suspect was taken into custody the same day, but was released without charge the following day due to the early stage of the investigation.
Police said that while the suspect was in the community, measures were put in place to ensure public safety.
On January 9th, investigators arrested 30-year-old Muhammed Basar, who has since been charged with murder.
He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on January 21st.
With the matter now before the courts and under the jurisdiction of the BC Prosecution Service, police say no further details will be released.
Saanich Police Chief Constable Dean Duthie praised the inter-agency cooperation involved in the case, citing the work of patrol officers, major crime investigators, forensic teams, and partner agencies.
RCMP Superintendent Sanjaya Wijayakoon also highlighted the role of collaboration, noting the assistance of VicPD and the Saanich Police Department, and the benefits of the integrated major crime unit model in handling complex investigations.
Police have not released the identity of the victim.
