Nanaimo RCMP have identified the victim in a death that has now been confirmed as a homicide investigation, following the discovery of a man’s body in the Bowen Park area last week.
Police have identified the victim as 42-year-old Lee Harland, a homeless man with no fixed address. Harland was found deceased by a passerby on September 12th in a wooded area by the railway tracks near Kennedy Street at Comox Road, behind the Nanaimo Curling Club.
Police initially deemed his death suspicious, and on Saturday, September 21st, RCMP confirmed it is now being treated as a homicide “based on evidence gathered so far.”
Related: Nanaimo RCMP investigating suspicious death after body discovered near Bowen Park
A spokesperson with Nanaimo RCMP said Harland had lived in Nanaimo for some time and frequently stayed at homeless encampments across the city.
Anyone who knew Harland or had recent contact with him is urged to call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
Police are also requesting anyone with dashcam footage from the area between September 9th and September 12th to share their recordings with investigators.
