Full Breakdown
Investigation into the Murder of Masood Masjoody
3/15/2026, 10:47:56 AM
Overview of the Incident
Two individuals, 48-year-old Mehdi Ahmadzadeh Razavi from Maple Ridge and 45-year-old Arezou Soltani from North Vancouver, have been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of 45-year-old Masood Masjoody. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) announced the charges following the discovery of Masjoody's remains in Mission, British Columbia, on March 6, 2023. Masjoody had been reported missing on February 2, after neighbors expressed concerns about his disappearance, which authorities deemed out of character and indicative of criminality.
Background of the Victim
Masood Masjoody was a former professor at Simon Fraser University (SFU) and had been involved in legal disputes, including a defamation lawsuit against SFU, social media platform X, and the son of the last Iranian shah. His employment at SFU was terminated following a harassment complaint from a colleague, which led to his subsequent legal actions. These disputes may have contributed to the tensions surrounding his death.
Investigation Details
The investigation into Masjoody's death was initiated by the Burnaby RCMP, who quickly determined that criminality was involved, leading to the case being handed over to IHIT. According to IHIT spokesperson Sgt. Freda Fong, both suspects and the victim were known to each other, and the incident is believed to have been targeted. However, the motive for the murder remains unclear and is still under investigation. Fong noted that there were ongoing civil disputes and social media exchanges between the accused and Masjoody, but it is yet to be determined if these factors played a role in the murder.
Community Impact
The case has generated significant concern within the Iranian community, prompting public interest and discussions about the implications of the incident. IHIT has acknowledged the impact of this case on the community and expressed gratitude to those who provided information during the investigation.
Official Statements
The B.C. Prosecution Service has approved one count of first-degree murder against both Razavi and Soltani, who remain in custody. They are scheduled to appear in court on the upcoming Monday. Sgt. Fong emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation, stating, “A fulsome investigation into the individual's background, and whether or not the victim's political activism was involved in this murder, that still takes time, and it's still ongoing.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “We understand this case has impacted the Iranian community and has generated widespread concern and public interest,” — Sgt. Freda Fong, IHIT
- “While the motive is still under investigation, we can say the victim and the two accused were known to each other and that this was a targeted incident,” — Sgt. Freda Fong, IHIT
What's Next
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to delve deeper into the backgrounds of the accused and the circumstances surrounding Masjoody's death. Further court appearances and updates from the IHIT are anticipated in the coming weeks.
