Nanaimo RCMP say Randel Charles Thomas was murdered. His body was discovered in the bushes near a trail by the Nanaimo Parkway on March 31. (Nanaimo RCMP)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

MURDER

Suspicious death now considered homicide by Nanaimo RCMP

Apr 14, 2021 | 12:55 PM

NANAIMO — Local mounties are investigating Nanaimo’s first homicide since early 2018.

RCMP said the body of 58-year-old Randell Charles Thomas was discovered in bushes near a walking trail along Tamara Dr., adjacent to the Nanaimo Parkway on the evening of March 31, 2021.

Further investigation by the Nanaimo RCMP Serious Crimes Unit led police to believe an altercation took place which led to Thomas’ death. His body was found with several injuries.

“We do not know how many people were involved in the altercation,” Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Thomas lived in the north Nanaimo area and investigators are continuing to try and track his movements prior to being on the trail.

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Cst. O’Brien would not say whether Thomas was known to police.

Investigators are narrowing their focus to a time period between 2:45 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31.

The approximate area Nanaimo RCMP are canvassing following the discovery of a body in late March. (Google Maps)

Officers will canvas the neighbourhood in order to speak with residents. They will also publish a targeted ad on social media aimed at central Nanaimo.

They are seeking any home security or dash cam footage from the surrounding area which may help their investigation. Thomas was found wearing a dark hoodie with a white logo.

This was Nanaimo’s first homicide since the Hawethorne Corner shooting on the corner of Wakesiah Ave. and Jingle Pot Rd. Troy McKinnon was gunned down in a targeted shooting related to gang violence on Jan. 13, 2018.

Anyone with information should contact the Nanaimo RCMP Serious Crime Unit at 250 754 2345, with file number 2021-11524.

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