Police investigating tips in beating death of Surrey mom, no info on suspect

One of Julie Paskall’s long-term friends could not hold back tears as she dropped off a flower outside the Newton Rec Centre on New Year’s Eve.

“Not a good way to start the New Year,” says Ruth Reiter. “I just talked to her last week, her and I were talking about what we were going to be doing for New Years. Now I know. Now I know.”

Paskall, 53 and a mother of three, was viciously attacked outside the Recreation Centre Sunday night. Paskall’s injuries were so severe, she was put on life support at Surrey Memorial Hospital.

She succumbed to her injuries today.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team say they are following up on a number of tips from the public. No information has been released on any possible suspect or suspects at this time.

They say the motive for this attack appears to be an unprovoked robbery.

Paskall is Surrey’s 25 homicide victim of the year.

“It was not a senseless crime, it was not a needless crime, it was an evil crime,” says hockey coach and family friend Scott Sparkman.

The Surrey Minor Hockey Association president told Global News Paskall was picking up her son, who was refereeing a game at a hockey tournament, when she was attacked. No one from the tournament saw or heard anything. She was a long-time volunteer and time keeper and was well loved in the community.

On Twitter, friends of Paskall’s children are referring to her as Momma Paskall.

READ MORE: Surrey RCMP issue warning after similar attack on woman in Newton 2 weeks ago

IHIT is asking anyone with information on who was in the area of the Newton Arena, Newton bus loop and the Newton Wave pool between 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. on December 29 and may have seen any suspicious activities, persons or vehicle to call the tipline at 1-877-551-4448.