The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) says two people have been charged with first-degree murder in relation to the death of Burnaby, B.C., man Masood Masjoody.
Forty-eight-year-old Mehdi Ahmadzadeh Razavi of Maple Ridge and 45-year-old Arezou Soltani of North Vancouver were arrested Friday. Both remain in custody.
The B.C. Prosecution Service has approved one count of first-degree murder each against the pair. IHIT says neither Razavi or Soltani have prior criminal records in Canada and have had “limited” police interactions.
The charges come after Masjoody’s remains were found in Mission just over a week ago, on March 6, IHIT says. The exact location where he was found was not specified by police.
“We understand this case has impacted the Iranian community and has generated widespread concern and public interest,” said Sgt. Freda Fong.
The suspects and victim were known to each other and the incident is believed to have been targeted, said Fong.
However, the motive remains under investigation.
Masjoody was last seen on Feb. 2, and Burnaby RCMP launched an investigation into his disappearance after reports from concerned neighbours.
The 45-year-old had sued Simon Fraser University (SFU), social media company X and the son of the last Iranian shah, among others, according to court documents. There has been no suggestion from police of any link between his court disputes and his disappearance.
Masjoody lost his job at SFU following a harassment complaint from a colleague. He subsequently filed a defamation lawsuit that was dismissed.
“I can only confirm that the two accused and the victim had, on the public record, some ongoing disputes that we’re aware of, as well as some exchanges on social media,” said Fong.
“A fulsome investigation into the individual’s background, and whether or not the victim’s political activism was involved in this murder, that still takes time, and it’s still ongoing.”
At the time of his disappearance, RCMP said they believe Masjoody’s disappearance was out of character, and criminality was involved.
IHIT took over the case after it was determined to be a homicide, shortly afterwards.
Razavi and Soltani will appear in court on Monday.
