Renewed plea for information in 2019 murder of B.C. notary

Homicide investigators are pleading for information to help them solve the 2019 murder of a notary public in Richmond.

Five and a half years after he was found dead inside his Richmond business, investigators have yet to find who’s responsible for Stephen Chong’s death.

The 58-year-old was found deceased on Oct. 18, 2019, at a strip mall in the 8200 block of Granville Avenue. The circumstances of his death were deemed suspicious and the Lower Mainland’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team took over the case.

According to police, Chong had no criminal record.

IHIT issued a new public plea for information at a news conference Thursday.

Investigators were unwilling to say how Chiong died and if they have any solid leads or suspects.

“As the investigation is ongoing, I can’t provide too many details about that to ensure a fair prosecution in the future,” said IHIT spokesperson Sgt. Freda Fong.

On Thursday, Chong’s colleagues also came forward to ask for the public’s help to identify the assailant and announced they’re offering a reward.

The Society of Notaries Public of BC says it will give $10,000 anyone who has information that leads to the arrest and charge of the person or people involved in Chong’s death.

The society said Chong had been a notary public since 2008.

“Stephen was fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin and was able to serve his clients in all three languages. He took special pride in the services that he provided to clients building strong relationships with his clients and community,” Joan Letendre, a member of the society, said Thursday.

“He was a well-respected legal professional known for his honesty, reliability, and as a person of integrity to both clients and fellow notaries. Stephen was a mentor and confidant to many in the legal community.”

The society said Chong’s death left a profound impact on his family, friends, clients and the wider community of notaries across B.C.

IHIT says it continues to actively investigate the case and asks anyone with information to call 1-877-551-4448 or email [e-mail].

With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Ben Miljure