Surrey RCMP have identified Metro Vancouver's first homicide victim as 39-year-old Jason Stanley Wells.

In a news release, RCMP said Wells was found dead after they responded to an altercation at a Surrey strip mall at about 1 a.m. on January 2, 2020.

 A suspect was arrested a few blocks away after a witness followed him and tipped off police.

After a combined investigation between the RCMP, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), and the Lower Mainland Forensic Identification Services, a charge of second-degree murder was approved against Michael James Petronio, 33, on January 2.

Petronio was to appear in Surrey provincial court today (January 3).

IHIT spokesperson Cst. Harrison Mohr praised community effort for the quick apprehension of the suspect. "This could not have been accomplished without the cooperation of the witnesses, the expertise of the forensic specialists, and the professionalism demonstrated by Surrey RCMP officers.  We would also like to thank the business owners and community members in the area, who provided us with key surveillance video footage, and waited patiently while the mall was closed during our initial investigation.  This was a prime example of the success that can happen when police and the community work together."

In order to further their investigation, police are asking that anyone who knew Wells or had recently been in contact with him call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551- IHIT (4448), or email ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca/.