Society of Notaries Public of B.C. renews reward for information on 2019 Richmond homicide

On Thursday, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) held a news conference about the death of 58-year-old Stephen Chong in his office in Richmond, B.C., on Oct. 18, 2019.

The Society of Notaries Public of B.C. renewed its $10,000 reward for information provided to IHIT that leads to the arrest and charge of those responsible for Chong's death.

Joan Letendre from the society said at the conference that Chong's death had a huge impact on the community.

"He was a well-respected legal professional, known for his honesty, reliability, and as a person of integrity to both clients and fellow notaries," she said.

"He took special pride in the services that he provided to clients, building strong relationships with his clients and community."

IHIT still looking for information

IHIT took over the case in 2019 because the death was deemed suspicious.

"Since that time, it has been confirmed to be a homicide investigation; there is no doubt about that," said IHIT's Sgt. Freda Fong at Thursday's conference.

She said it's still believed to be an isolated incident and targeted event because "he was found deceased inside his office, and the people responsible, or the person responsible, would have known that he was there at the time."

Fong also said that Chong had no criminal record and that they are still piecing together what happened. That is why they have decided to share information about the notary's reward more widely.

"Rewards can be a good way for us to renew the information and to renew interest in a case like this," said Fong. "This case remains unsolved and ongoing, and we need people's help to come forward with information."