The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has identified the woman found shot to death in Newton last week as 29-year-old Lisa Ellie Marie Baines. On December 3, at 5:34 a.m., police found Baines shot to death inside her vehicle near 137 Street and 75A Avenue in Surrey, B.C. There had been many rumors on whatsapp, including pictures and descriptions of the woman and her alleged connections to the lower mainland gang and drug world, but police are denying that her killing is gang related.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

SURREY -   The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has identified the woman found shot to death in Newton last week as 29-year-old Lisa Ellie Marie Baines.

On December 3, at 5:34 a.m., police found Baines shot to death inside her vehicle near 137 Street and 75A Avenue in Surrey, B.C. IHIT took conduct of the investigation and has since been working tirelessly to gather evidence.

There had been many rumors on whatsapp, including pictures and descriptions of the woman and her alleged connections to the lower mainland gang and drug world, but police are denying that her killing is gang related.

Police said evidence gathered to date suggests that this was an isolated incident and it is not related to drug nor gang activity. There is no reason to believe there is further risk to public safety as a result of this incident.

 “The investigation is progressing quickly and we are well on our way to building a strong case,” says Sergeant Frank Jang of IHIT. “We have spoken with many of Ellie’s friends and family but we are also aware there may be someone who we have yet to speak with that may have information about her recent activities. We urge that person to come forward.”

Ellie’s family is appealing for the public’s help for information about her homicide and has prepared the following statement:

“On Thursday December 3, 2020, our family was shocked and saddened to be informed that our beautiful daughter Ellie had been tragically and violently taken from us. She was driving home from dialysis in the early hours of the morning. Her car was found off the road and she had received and eventually succumbed to gunshot-inflicted wounds. That is not how we would like to remember our daughter. She was much more than a victim of a homicide,” said Heidi Baines, the mother of the victim.

“Ellie was born in Surrey, B.C. in 1991. Her life from the very beginning was not easy and she spent many years in foster homes in the Fraser Valley; back then her name was Lisa Marie. In 2002, we were blessed to have her come home to her forever family. She in fact chose the name, Ellie.

“Ellie became part of our family. She was the second oldest of six children. Her teen years were spent on Vancouver Island in the Cowichan Valley attending Duncan Christian School. She made friends easily. She was your typical strong-willed teen that liked to tug at the reigns. As she was living her teenage years, she became ill and was soon diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome, which is a disease that attacked her kidneys. We spent many months in B.C. Children’s Hospital hoping the disease would go into remission. That never did occur. When she was 21-years-old, she had a kidney transplant and we were hopeful that her luck had changed. Sadly within months, the disease attacked her new kidney and she had to return to dialysis. At the time of her death, Ellie was receiving dialysis three times a week during the night. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, she would check into Surrey Memorial overnight and receive her dialysis.

 “Our girl was never one to let life keep her down. Throughout all her illness, she managed to receive a mental health worker certificate from Stenberg College. She also successfully completed her Medical Office Assistance Program while working at Granville Toyota. After that, she worked at Royal Columbian Hospital, a couple of doctor’s offices, and Cascadia Metals. Many of the jobs she held were short-term because it was hard to have energy after dialysis. Shortly before Covid hit, she had started quite a resume as an extra on such Vancouver-based films as Riversdale, Super Girl and many others. I am sure if you worked with her you would remember her smile, her wit and her laughter. She was a stunning woman, whether she chose to be blonde, brown, or black-haired.

“As much as she enjoyed curling up to watch Netflix, she enjoyed going out and partying with friends; even spending weekends in Whistler and Kelowna. She was known to love a good Bellini, or a Cranberry and Vodka.

“Our trips to West Edmonton Mall where we would shop and ride the roller coasters are some of our favourite memories. She was a proud momma to her Shitzu-Terrier cross dog named Kobe, who she would dress up and take out for walks or to restaurants.

“This is just a small snapshot of our daughter. If anyone knew her or worked with her and can share any information, even something small, please share it with the police so we can put our girl to rest with some answers. “

-Heidi Baines, mother of Ellie Baines

Anyone with information is asked to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448), or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. Should you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).