Rutland death now a murder

Photo: Facebook

Chris Ausman of Kelowna

Kelowna RCMP have now confirmed that the unexplained death of Chris Ausman, whose body was found in Rutland last Saturday morning, has been classified as Kelowna's first homicide of the year.

Ausman's body was found laying on the sidewalk; his family and friends adamant that it was murder.

On January 25 at 2:06 a.m. an RCMP officer discovered the body in the 100-block of Highway 33 West.

Investigators are now working through their investigation and police say they have reviewed surveillance images that show vehicles and pedestrians passing by the area when the death occurred.

RCMP Cst. Kris Clark says the police now need help from the  public.

“Police are asking if you walked or drove near the intersection of Highway 33 and Rutland Road on Saturday January 25, 2014 between 1:15 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. to contact police,” explains Clark.

The 32-year-old Kelowna man was a young father and his family and friends are calling out for justice on social media.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or anyone who had been in contact with Christopher Ausman during the evening of Jan. 24, 2014 and early morning hours of Jan. 25, 2013 is asked to call the Kelowna RCMP Tip Line at 250-470-6236.

You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.

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A friend of Chris Ausman created a dedication video in his honour. 

"I put this together for all of Chris' family & friends. I hope you like it. xoxo," wrote video creator Amy Elizabeth Cardozo on his dedication Facebook page.