IHIT says notice of online escort’s death not issued right away due to possible suicide

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) say the reason they did not issue a public warning following the death of the first online escort in a New Westminster apartment building was due to the fact that there was evidence to suggest her death was a suicide.

45-year-old Jill Lyons was found dead on August 12 just before 10 p.m. at an apartment complex in the 200-block of 11th Street. 48-year-old Karen Nabors was found in another apartment in the same complex on August 25.

The women were known to each other and both were working as online escorts.

“As police officers we are morally, ethically and legally responsible to balance the protection of the public and the integrity of the investigation. In cases, where suicide is a possibility, there is a particular emphasis on the protection of information in order to be empathetic and understanding to the sensitive issues that surround some of our cases,” says Sgt. Jennifer Pound.

The cause of Lyons’ death is still unclear, and police are waiting on the results of a toxicology test for both victims. The autopsy for Nabors is scheduled for today.

Given the fact that Nabors was found within the same apartment complex and both women were known to engage online as escorts, IHIT now has conduct of both investigations.

Pound says both deaths remain suspicious and the investigation is in the early stages. Foul play has not been confirmed nor has it been ruled out.

IHIT continues to ask those individuals engaging in a high risk lifestyle to take extra precautions and to be careful.

Anyone with information is asked to speak with investigators by calling the IHIT tipline at 1-877-551-IHIT, or, if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.