Editor’s note: Western Investor has a wide readership in Canada’s real estate community and it is our hope that someone out there may have information that will aid in this investigation.
FBI investigators from the United States have joined a new task force investigating the 13-year-old homicide of Victoria real estate agent Lindsay Buziak, but the woman’s father calls news of the involvement a public relations stunt.
Lindsay Buziak, 24 at the time, was fatally stabbed on February 2, 2008, after being lured to a supposed showing of an upscale property at 1702 De Sousa Pl. in the Gordon Head area of Saanich.
Saanich police Const. Markus Anastasiades said a new team of investigators are probing the case, including representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as continued support from RCMP. “They offered their assistance,” Anastasiades said.
New investigators are re-interviewing people. “It is not too late to come forward,” Anastasiades said.
Technology developed since Buziak’s death has highlighted additional leads and forensic evidence, said Anastasiades. He cited advancements in genealogy and DNA analysis.
“The FBI is a resource that has solved cases using that new technology, new resources,” said Anastasiades, referring to use of genetic genealogy. “We are utilizing all available resources — in this case, the FBI — to advance the investigation and bring those responsible for Lindsay’s death to justice.”
B.C. RCMP Cpl. Chris Manseau said use of genetic technology is potentially an important and reliable new investigative technique that will help advance serious crime investigations such as homicide. RCMP national headquarters is working with justice partners in assessing the viability and legality of using genetic genealogy techniques, Manseau said.
Rob Gordon of Simon Fraser University’s School of Criminology said he’s puzzled by the FBI’s involvement noting it’s not as if they have “magical special powers of investigation or special equipment.” The RCMP also has a forensics lab to do DNA analysis.
Involvement between the FBI and Saanich police began last year, Anastasiades confirmed.
The following details about the case have been released by Saanich police.
In early 2008, Lindsay Buziak was contacted by an unknown female with a noticeable accent. The female told Lindsay that she and her husband wanted to purchase a million-dollar home in Victoria that weekend. The cell phone used to contact Lindsay was registered in the Lower Mainland under a fictitious name and was used exclusively for this crime. The unknown female arranged to view several homes with Lindsay on February 2, 2008, including a new home located at 1702 De Sousa Place in Saanich.
At approximately 5:30 p.m., Lindsay met with the unknown female and a male at the home on De Sousa. Lindsay advised friends and family that she was nervous about the showing and therefore her boyfriend arranged to attend the house shortly after her. Her boyfriend arrived at the residence, along with a friend, at approximately 5:45 p.m. and observed a male entering and closing the front door. The male was described as well dressed, approximately 6 feet tall, with dark hair. Believing the showing had just begun, her boyfriend waited outside for Lindsay to complete her showing. Not seeing any movement in the house, her boyfriend sent a text message to Lindsay to check on her and did not receive a response. Concerned that something had happened, her boyfriend and his friend tried the front door of the residence and found it was locked. Her boyfriend placed a call to 911 and actively began trying to find a way into the home. Prior to police attendance, entry was gained into the home where they found Lindsay had been fatally stabbed in an upstairs bedroom. The male and female Lindsay met with have not yet been identified nor have any arrests been made in relation to this crime.
Police have never confirmed if they have the murder weapon.
“We know there is likely information that has not been shared,” Anastasiades said in the police video statement. “We believe people familiar with the circumstances surrounding this case remain in the community.”
If you, or anyone you know, have information relating to this murder ,Saanich police can be contacted at 250-475-4356 or toll free at 1-888-980-1919, or online at saanichpolice.ca/index.php/lindsay- buziak-investigation.html.
