Surrey RMCP says a man has been charged with second-degree murder in a homicide in Newton on Thursday.
The victim, now identified as 39-year-old Jason Stanley Wells, was found in a strip mall parking lot near Scott Road and 75A Avenue just before 1 a.m.
Police say they were called to reports of an assault in progress.
A witness followed the suspect from the scene, allowing police to track him down and arrest him.
A black backpack and a bloody knife were also recovered.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) says 33-year-old Michael James Petronio was charged on Thursday, and is due in court at 2 p.m. Friday.
Investigators are also asking for anyone who knew Wells or had recent contact with him to come forward.
Court records indicate Wells was well known to police with charges including theft, break and enter, assault and breach of probation going back nearly two decades.
Anyone with information can contact the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-4448 or Crime Stoppers if they wish to remain anonymous.
Wells’ death marks Surrey’s first homicide of 2020.