‘Kind, loving, virtuous’: Friend of B.C. homicide victim wants justice

The friend of a Kamloops man who was found dead inside his home earlier this week says he’s in disbelief and wants justice.

The friend of a Kamloops man who was found dead inside his home Monday says he’s in disbelief and wants justice.

Don Tecson met Muhammad “Ash” Zafar a few years ago when Zafar moved to Port Alberni for work.

The two formed a close friendship, with Zafar providing comfort to Tecson’s mother in her final days.

“Him and my mom got along so well,” Tecson said. “I’m still in shock.”

From Port Alberni, Zafar eventually moved to Kamloops.

Man found dead in home

Zafar was found dead inside his townhouse in the city’s West End on Monday after police were called to Dalgleish Drive for a “check well-being” call, according to the RCMP.

Tecson said Zafar’s loved ones are reeling from the news.

“He was such a kind, loving, virtuous, decent human being,” he said. “I don’t know why anybody would want to kill him.”

On Wednesday, Mounties appealed to the public, stating they were looking for those who may have communicated with Zafar on men-seeking-men dating sites or apps.

Tecson said Zafar, who was originally from Pakistan, had not publicly come out and questioned whether the 40-year-old would invite a stranger into his home.

“We met on a dating app, but we met in public, so I don’t think Ash would have let the person, whoever that was, into his house without meeting out in public first,” he added.

RCMP issues warning

When Zafar’s death was first announced, police called it an isolated incident.

That changed at a press conference Wednesday, when Supt. Jeff Pelley said there was a potential risk to the public.

“Yes, there is a threat to the public with respect to an individual who is under investigation for an act of homicide,” he said.

Pelley added police are urging the public to remain cautious when meeting people from online.

“Share the plans with a trusted friend or family member to check-in before or after the meeting, and meet in public when possible,” he said.

Vigil planned

According to the RCMP, this was the first homicide of the year in Kamloops.

Police have not released details about a suspect and said they are still working on a timeline of what led to Zafar’s death.

Tecson said he’s hoping people come forward to help in the investigation.

“If you know something, if you heard something, if you’ve seen something, please help get justice for my friend Ash, because he deserves it,” he said.

A vigil to honour Zafar’s life will be held Jan. 23 at SteamPunk Cafe in Port Alberni.