ON August 18, 2012, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team took conduct of an investigation in North Vancouver after human remains were found off of a foot path in the 2000 block of Curling Road. Evidence suggested the individual was the victim of foul play and investigators worked diligently in an attempt to identify the victim.
IHIT announced on Thursday that it could now confirm that the victim has been identified as 31-year-old Fatemah (Sara) Norouzy-Pooresfahany. In Canada, police believe she would have used the name Sara Norouzy.
"IHIT has concentrated our efforts on identifying the victim and now we must concentrate on gathering evidence and information to tell us her story. We need the public's assistance in bringing information forward about Sara," said Staff-Sgt. Jennifer Pound.
What police do know about Sara is that she was originally from Iran. She lived in North Vancouver with her mother for several years before they both left Canada to return to Iran. In December 2011, Sara returned to Canada by herself. She had minimal contact with her mother after she returned to Canada and in September 2014, her mother returned to Canada in an attempt to locate her daughter.
Sara's mother began her search for her beginning with the North Vancouver RCMP. The North Vancouver RCMP's General Investigations Section contacted IHIT, a DNA analysis was completed and her identity was confirmed.
Sara had no fixed address but police believe she often switched between Burnaby and North Vancouver. She would occasionally stay at homeless shelters. Police know through their contacts that Sara was last alive at the end of July. Her remains were located less than three weeks later.
IHIT is looking to speak with anyone who has any information about Sara's lifestyle. They are looking to identify associates and friends and determine what led up to her final days.
"We no longer need to concentrate our efforts on identifying Sara. IHIT will now move forward with any and all evidence gathering in order to find who is responsible for her murder and bring them to justice," said Pound.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the IHIT tipline at 1-877-551-4448, or, if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.