People had to be turned away Monday night at a public meeting prompted by the beating death of 53-year-old hockey mom in Surrey after hundreds showed up to voice their concerns.
The meeting quickly reached its seating capacity of 150, and many attendees and members of the media did not make it inside.
The Newton Community Association has also barred any politicians from attending ahead of the meeting.
The meeting was supposed to address the growing concerns about crime and violence in the community.
Julie Paskall was attacked and badly beaten outside the Newton Recreation Centre on December 29. She died two days later.
She left behind three children and a husband.
The incident galvanized the community, raising questions about public safety.
So far, police have received more than 70 tips about the attack, but have no suspect or description.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team took over the investigation following the attack. Police say this attack has similarities to an assault on a female that occurred in the same area on December 16.
Surrey RCMP says they did not send out a warning after that incident because at that time it did not appear there was a pattern.
They are now asking the public to be careful and to report any suspicious activity.
“We are focused on providing a visible presence in that area around the rec centre and the heart of Newton for the foreseeable future until we can make an arrest,” Insp. Jeff Metcalfe with Surrey RCMP told Global News during this weekend’s poster campaign to raise awareness about the attack.
READ MORE: Surrey RCMP issue warning after similar attack on woman in Newton 2 weeks ago
Meanwhile, a makeshift memorial continues to grow outside the rec centre in memory of Paskall.
A trust fund was set up to support her family during this difficult time.
All Prospera Credit Union branches will accept donations marked for “Paskall Family Trust”.
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.
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