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Truck of Metchosin suspicious death victim found in Oak Bay

Martin Payne, 60, was found deceased in his Metchosin home after being reported missing
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Police tape blocks the driveway to a home at in Metchosin on Saturday. The body of missing man Martin Payne, who was 60, was found in the home — his home — the previous day. Police are so far treating the death as suspicious. (Shalu Mehta/News Staff)

Police are investigating a suspicious death and are seeking witnesses after the body of a missing man was found in his home in Metchosin Friday.

On July 12, West Shore RCMP discovered the deceased adult male in his Metchosin residence on the 1000 block of Brookview Drive. The victim has been identified as 60-year-old Martin Payne.

Police said West Shore RCMP investigators were following up on a report that he was missing from work when they found him.

The death is being treated as suspicious and foul play is suspected. The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) is leading the investigation.

On July 9 at 1 p.m., the Oak Bay Police Department located the victim’s red Ford F150 pickup truck, with licence plate 7432HY, parked on Woodburn Avenue in Oak Bay. The truck is an extended cab 4x4, is two toned with red and grey, has running boards and also has a black metal headache rack and black bed rails.

Cpl. Chris Dovell with West Shore RCMP said police are seeking witnesses who may have seen the victim’s truck or anyone associated with the vehicle between the afternoon of July 8 and July 9 at 1 p.m.

“Also, anyone observing suspicious activity near the 1000 block of Brookview Drive in Metchosin are asked to call the VIIMCU information line,” Dovell said.

READ ALSO: West Shore RCMP look to identify man after sexual assault report on Galloping Goose in Langford

Kym Hill is a neighbour of Payne and has been living in her home since the 1980s. She said Payne moved into the house in 2016. Hill said she met his daughter before, but said Payne kept to himself.

“I only knew him as a neighbour and, as is common on our street, we keep to ourselves until need be,” Hill said.

While Hill noted she did not see anything suspicious recently, she said her husband heard some commotion a few days ago.

“It’s a dead-end street and it’s very quiet so any kind of noise transmits easily,” Hill said.

The street is quiet and lined with trees. The homes are far away from the roadway, making the properties seem private.

As for safety concerns, Hill said she does not have any and believes this incident was an anomaly.

“I’m a proud Metchosinite and what I love is it’s a safe place to be,” Hill said. “My husband and I do not feel threatened and have complete faith that the police has resources devoted to this and they’ll figure this out.”

Hill said her heart goes out to Payne’s family and that her and her husband’s thoughts are toward the well being of his family and friends.

Payne’s house was still cordoned off late Saturday afternoon with investigators on the property.

Anyone with information relating to the crime is asked to contact the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit information line at 250-380-6211.

READ ALSO: RCMP raid clamps down on alleged B.C. pot export ring

shalu.mehta@goldstreamgazette.com


@devonscarlett
devon.bidal@saanichnews.com

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On July 9 the Oak Bay Police Department located Martin Payne’s red Ford F150 pickup truck parked on Woodburn Avenue in Oak Bay. On July 12, police found Payne dead in his Metchosin home. (West Shore RCMP photo)