Updated: Father killed, son charged with second-degree murder in Surrey homicide

NEWTON — A 55-year-old man is dead and his 29-year-old son is charged with second-degree murder following an incident in Newton Tuesday afternoon.

Just after 1 p.m., Surrey RCMP received calls reporting a "dispute" and what sounded like gunshots being fired in 14000-block of 60th Avenue.

There, they found Edward Allen Bezell who was pronounced dead at the scene. His son, Ryan William Beauchamp, who lived at the residence with Bezell, was taken into police custody.

The property where Bezell's body was found is located in a treed area, north east of the intersection at 140th Street and 60th Avenue, at the end of a complex driveway still undergoing construction. 

Staff Sgt. Jennifer Pound of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team couldn't confirm witness reports at the time that said two individuals were seen entering and leaving the home, and arguing outside before shots were heard. 

An autopsy is still needed before police can confirm cause of death.

Bezell's death is Surrey's 11th murder in 2014.

Neighbours in the area say the transient population has increased in recent years.

“It’s a lot busier. More transient people hanging around,” Ruben Urrutia said of his neighbourhood, which he’s lived in for some 14 years. “It’s not that quiet anymore.”

Urrutia said a lot of properties have been sold in the neighbourhood and are still waiting to be developed. While the properties sit, they’re often rented to less-than-desirable tenants, he said.

“What happens, I guess, is people will sell their house and developers will be waiting to develop and they’ll rent it out to anyone.”

Judith and Victor Chan, who live just steps away from the police tape strung up at 140^th Street and 60^th Avenue Tuesday afternoon, have resided in the area for some 30 years.

They agreed the transient population has increased in recent years, and said halfway homes have become a problem for the community.

“There’s been a lot of talk about illegal drugs, selling and buying, going on in the area and halfway houses,” said Judith. “Definitely, this was a very quiet community. Over the years now, everything is kind of pushed over this way.”

Asked if crime had increased in the area, Judith said there have been a few burglaries. Their home was broken into about eight months ago, and a neighbour's just 10 days later.

“Breaking in is one thing. Murder is another kettle of fish,” Judith said. “It’s scary.”

Victor said the area used to be a “really nice” neighbourhood, made up of one- or two-acre lots.

“Now it’s nine or 10 houses an acre,” he added.

Asked if he was surprised to see a homicide occur within eyeshot of his home, Victor said “Well, I guess, you know, this is Surrey.”

Beauchamp has been remanded and will appear at Surrey Provincial Court on Sept. 3.

areid@thenownewspaper.com

-With files from The Province