Husband and wife in their 70s identified as victims in Abbotsford double homicide

A married couple in their 70s have been identified as the victims of a double homicide in Abbotsford, B.C., earlier this week.

Investigators are still collecting evidence and interviewing witnessesand say it's too early to speculate on whether 77-year-old Arnold De Jong and 76-year-old Joanne De Jong were the victims of a targeted attack or a random slaying, according to a statement from the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.

"The safety of the citizens in Abbotsford, and the community as a whole, are of the highest priority. Every available resource is being utilized," Abbotsford police Const. Paul Walker said in the statement.

The bodies of the couple were found inside a home in the 33600-block of Arcadian Way, a rural area in the north of the city, on Monday morning.

In a statement on Friday, Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun sent his condolences to the family of the slain couple.

"Losing loved ones is not easy. I knew Arnie and Joanne De Jong for over 40 years and their loss is felt by many in our community," Braun said in his statement.

"As a community, we are concerned with the uncertainty that follows an investigation like this. Thankfully these events are rare in Abbotsford but that also makes it all the more shocking and unsettling for the community."

IHIT is asking for anyone with information about what happened to the De Jongs to come forward and speak with police by calling 1-877-551-4448or emailing ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.