IHIT Leads Homicide Investigation Linked to Missing Man in Lions Bay
Community Safety Alert for Lions Bay and Squamish
Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has assumed responsibility for a serious investigation that began as a missing person case in the Lions Bay and Squamish area of British Columbia. The case involves Stewart McLean, who was reported missing to Squamish RCMP on May 18, 2026, after not being seen for several days.
Police now believe that Mr. McLean was the victim of a homicide, and the matter is being treated as a major crime. Investigators are appealing to anyone who may have information about his disappearance or any suspicious activity around his residence to come forward immediately.
Official RCMP and IHIT Details
Based on information released by Squamish RCMP and IHIT, the following timeline and details have been confirmed:
- On May 15, 2026, Stewart McLean was last seen at his home in Lions Bay, B.C..
- On May 18, 2026, Squamish RCMP received a missing person report after Mr. McLean had not been seen since May 15.
- Squamish RCMP launched an investigation into the missing person report and gathered evidence.
- During their work, investigators uncovered information leading them to believe that Mr. McLean was the victim of a homicide.
- On May 20, 2026, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) was deployed and formally took conduct of the case.
- Squamish RCMP continues to support IHIT, working together with the Integrated Forensic Identification Service (IFIS) to advance the investigation.
Request for Information – How the Public Can Help
Investigators are asking for assistance from the public. If you have any information related to Stewart McLean, his movements, visitors to his residence in Lions Bay, or any suspicious activity in the surrounding area around mid-May 2026, you are urged to contact IHIT directly.
Members of the CrimeCanada.ca community are specifically asked to share any credible tips they may have. Even small observations—unusual vehicles, noises, visitors, or security camera footage—could be crucial to this homicide investigation.
- IHIT Information Line: 1-877-551-IHIT (4448)
- IHIT Email: ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
If you are unsure how to submit a tip safely, you can also review CrimeCanada.ca’s guidance on how to contact authorities and report a tip responsibly.
CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective
From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, an investigation that shifts from a missing person case to a suspected homicide is a serious concern for communities across British Columbia. Situations like this highlight the importance of neighbours being alert to sudden changes in routine, especially when a familiar resident is not seen for several days. Comparing trends between communities—using tools like our regional profiles for areas such as Ehatis 11 crime statistics and safety data—helps residents understand how rare or frequent serious violent incidents may be in their broader region.
Our mission is to support safer communities by encouraging early reporting of unusual behaviour, checking on vulnerable or isolated neighbours, and promptly sharing any relevant information with police. In homicide investigations, details such as vehicle descriptions, doorbell camera footage, or recollections of strangers in the area can make a significant difference. If you live in or travel through the Lions Bay or Squamish area and recall anything out of the ordinary around May 15–20, 2026, we strongly encourage you to come forward using the contact details above.
Official Source & Community Safety
This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the british-columbia community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.
Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.