Homicide probe continues as Vancouver park reopens to public

Police reopened a Vancouver park Wednesday after canvassing the neighbourhood for five days following the discovery of a jogger's body.

Wendy Ladner-Beaudry's body was found Friday at about 2:40 p.m. PT on a trail in the Pacific Spirit Regional Park near the University of British Columbia, close to SW Marine Drive and Camosun Street.

Investigators took down the police yellow tape blocking park trails shortly before 6 p.m. Wednesday. They did not say what evidence, if any, had been gathered.

Police received more than 110 tips from the public and canvassed about 700 residences in the surrounding area, RCMP Cpl. Peter Thiessen said.

"This investigation is moving forward," he said. "Now the investigation will be not as visible as it has been, but I can reassure the community there is an extensive team of investigators on this investigation in an effort to identify who's responsible."

Police still have not been able to determine whether Ladner-Beaudry, 53,was the target of a planned attack.

"I need to reinforce the fact that we are still unable to eliminate the fact that this may be a random attack of violence so the community needs to pay attention to that point," Thiessen said.

An autopsy was conducted on Monday, but the RCMP have not released a cause of death.

Ladner-Beaudry was co-chairwoman of the BC Games Society and the sister of former Vancouver mayoral candidate Peter Ladner. She is survived by husband Michel Beaudry and two daughters.

Thiessen said people who use the Pacific Spirit Regional Park should remain vigilant and be aware of their surroundings. Safety tips for walkers and joggers are posted on the RCMP website.

Zoe Lewis, a frequent user of the park, said people need to reclaim this public space. She purchased 2,000 whistles and is planning to hand them out to park users and local schools.

"I'm either going to be part of the solution or I'm part of the problem," she said Wednesday. "Doing nothing is no longer an option."