Warning issued after 2 escorts found dead in New Westminster

Two escorts have been found dead in the same New Westminster apartment building, located in the 200-block of 11th Street, in recent weeks. Aug. 26, 2013. (CTV)

Police have issued a public warning after two female escorts were found dead in the same New Westminster apartment complex within two weeks of each other.

Both of the women live in the building, located in the 200-block of 11th Street, and were found dead in their own homes.

Officers first responded to the sudden death of 45-year-old Jill Lyons on the night of Aug. 12. Karen Nabors, 48, was found dead 13 days later.

Though the causes of death have not been confirmed, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team was called to take conduct of both investigations due to the suspicious nature and close proximity of the discoveries.

“IHIT’s priority is to reach out to all escorts and remind them of the risks involved and to take extra precaution as it is unclear at this point why, or even if, they are in fact being targeted,” Sgt. Jennifer Pound said in a statement.

Police confirm the women, who both worked as online escorts, knew each other.

Lyons’ autopsy was inconclusive, and investigators are still awaiting toxicology tests to help determine the cause of death.

Evidence retrieved from the Nabors’ investigation suggests foul play may have been a factor, but no further details have been released.

Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT tip line at 1-877-551-IHIT, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 if they wish to remain anonymous.