RCMP have identified the man found dead on the Tk’emlups reserve last Saturday, as 18-year-old Jagraj Dhinsa.

In a statement, Inspector Brent Novakoski, says while an autopsy revealed that Dhinsa was murdered, police will not be releasing the cause of his death to protect the integrity of the investigation

“Police are revealing Jagraj Dhinsa’s name to further the developing investigation,” Novakoski said.

“We are asking anyone who had contact with Mr. Dhinsa on Jan. 28 or 29, or who has information that may help investigators in determining Mr. Dhinsa’s activities and whereabouts leading up to his death, to please contact police as soon as possible.”

Dhinsa’s body was found in the parking lot shared by St. Joseph’s Church and the Qwemtsin Health Clinic on Chilcotin Road. Police say evidence found near the body linked Dhinsa to a black 2014 Honda Accord that was found on Dallas Drive at Lafarge Road, about 22 km away.

“In investigations like this, early tips and information from the public can be crucial,” Novakoski said.

“We are reaching out to the public and asking them to please provide us with any video surveillance, cellphone or dash-cam footage in the Chilcotin Road area to Lafarge Road at Dallas Drive in Kamloops from the afternoon of Jan. 28 until the morning of Jan. 29.”

Both the RCMP and the BC Coroner’s Service are investigating Dhinsa’s death. He had no criminal record according to the BC Court Services Online portal.

“Our members were distressed with the major incident on our Indian Reserve and we appreciate the collaborative efforts to ensure that there was no immediate threat to those residing in the areas,” Tk’emlúps  te Secwepemc Kukpi7, Rosanne Casimir, said, in a statement. ”

“Our condolences are with the family impacted by this tragic loss and our hope is that they get the answers they seek to honour his life.”

Police are asking anyone with dash cam footage or information to reach out to the Major Crime Unit information line at 1-877-987-8477.