The body of the man found in Pitt Meadows on Tuesday morning has been identified as 26-year-old Brandon Howson of Maple Ridge.

“Mr. Howson is known to police and it appears that this homicide was targeted, however, it is too early to speak to a motive or any gang affiliation,” said Sgt. Jennifer Pound, spokesperson for Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.

Howson’s body was found Tuesday morning in a remote, rural area of Pitt Meadows.

An autopsy to determine the cause of death was being performed Wednesday afternoon and should be completed “in a day or two,” Pound told The TIMES.

The corpse was discovered by a passerby in the area of 224th Street and 144th Avenue - around the Blaney Bog, Timberline Ranch, and Golden Eagle Cranberry Farm - at about 10: 30 a.m., said Pound.

This is the first homicide in the community this year. In fact, it is the first murder in Pitt Meadows or Maple Ridge since 2010, when there were two, according to RCMP Supt. Dave Walsh.

From 2003 to 2011 there were a total of 14 homicides in the community.

“This is devastating. Definitely our hearts go out to the family of the victim,” said Pitt Meadows Mayor Deb Walters.

“I don’t believe this is indicative of our City. I want to reassure the public that we live in a safe community and would encourage anyone to come forward if they know anything,” Walters added.

Members of IHIT are asking for the public’s help in solving the case.

Anyone with information about the homicide or the victim is invited to speak to investigators. People can call the IHIT tipline at 1-877-551-4448, or email ihittipline@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

•Stay tuned for more in the print and online editions of The TIMES.