Police have issued a public warning after two women working as escorts were found dead 13 days apart in the same apartment building in New Westminster.
Jill Lyons, 45, was found dead inside her suite at the Elmwood Apartments on the 200-block of 11th Street just before 10 p.m. Aug. 12. The second victim, Karen Nabors, 48, was found in her unit on Sunday. Both deaths are considered suspicious.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team was consulted after the Lyons’ death, said spokeswoman Sgt. Jennifer Pound. IHIT took over after the second death due to the similar nature and locations of both cases.
“There are similarities between the two deaths, but it is still too early to link them conclusively,” said Pound.
Police are awaiting toxicology results for both women to identify cause of death. Autopsy results for Lyons were inconclusive.
Both women were working in their own suites as escorts and advertised services online, said police. They knew each other.
“Investigators know both women were engaged in a high-risk lifestyle and were working as online escorts,” said Pound.
“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.”
On Monday afternoon, investigators scoured the shrubs and plants around the building, while residents reacted with shock and sadness to news of the deaths.
Shannon Hecker broke down in tears when she learned the name of one of the victims. She has known Nabors since she moved into the apartment four years ago.
“She’s a good person,” said Hecker. “Despite what people may think about what she did for a living, she didn’t deserve that.”
Nabors lived on the fifth floor, and was friendly and always willing to extend a helping hand, she said. She was often seen by neighbours walking her two dogs.
Residents said police were called to the apartment complex regularly to deal with fights, loud parties, and car break-ins in the parkade. The building does not feel safe, said Hecker, who lives there with her eight-year-old daughter Sorelle. “They should have better security and have cameras.”
“It makes me worried,” said Kevin, who was visiting his mom in the building. “I have six nieces and my mom that live here.”
Jurgita Milisauskaite, manager of the Elmwood Apartments, said she was unaware the women were working as escorts from their homes.
“I don’t know what they were doing. They fill out an application form and that’s it.”
Both Lyons and Nabors were friends, she said. Lyons has lived in the building for about three years.
According to an obituary published in the Gulf Islands Driftwood newspaper, Lyons had two sons and a large extended family. A gathering was held in her honour Aug. 18.
Escorts contacted by The Province were horrified by the news.
“Oh, my God,” reacted a woman who answered the phone at CarmanFox.com.
She remained speechless as the details were read to her, replying only, “I have no comment.”
An independent escort who goes by the handle Classy Angel was also struck by the twin deaths. “That’s a tragic loss,” she said.
The escort wanted to know who the deceased women were, and was relieved when she didn’t recognize the names.
“I don’t know either of them,” she said, “but I really appreciate the information.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT tip line at 1-877-551-IHIT or anonymously to CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
