Woman found murdered in Surrey basement suite

Police investigate after a woman was found dead in a Surrey basement suite on Nov. 8, 2012. (CTV)

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team is probing the murder of a woman in her 40s who was found in a Surrey basement suite Thursday night.

Police arrived at the home on the 8400-block of 148A Street at around 7 p.m. and said early investigations reveal the death is a homicide and not related to gang activity.

Residents are shocked to hear that such a crime would take place in their own neighbourhood.

“This is lower Surrey. This shouldn’t be happening here,” said Chris Lax. “It scared the 'beep' out of me last night when I saw it on the news and this morning.”

Neighbors say a woman rents the suite and that the victim showed up at the apartment in the early afternoon. Few other details have been provided, but IHIT is not warning the public that a killer is on the loose.

"The exact motive is something that is subject to this investigation and we are trying to determine if in fact this was something that was planned in advance or if this is something that occurred at that moment," said Cpl. Adam MacIntosh.

The identity of the victim has not been released. Crime scene investigators expect they will be at the home for several days.

Anyone with information is asked to contact IHIT at 1-877-551-4448 or by email at [e-mail].