The RCMP Southeast District Major Crime Unit (SED MCU) is investigating the death of a man whose body was found south of Kamloops on Dec. 16. The incident is now being classified as a homicide.

In order to further the investigation, the man鈥檚 identity has been released as that of Kamloops resident Mark Hoffman.

On Dec. 18, the Tk鈥檈ml煤ps Rural RCMP Detachment issued a release stating that on the afternoon of Dec. 16, police were called to a scene west of Highway 5. There they discovered a man in his 50s and a large dog, both deceased. A green Ford Explorer was found nearby.

Hoffman was last seen at around 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15, leaving his Kamloops residence with his dog in an older model Ford Explorer. The area where the deceased was found is a popular location for outdoor activities, and the RCMP are hopeful that someone saw something and will contact the police with related information.

鈥淲e are urging the public to assist in this investigation,鈥� says Insp. Brent Novakoski, District Senior Investigating Officer, SED MCU. 鈥淲e鈥檙e particularly interested in speaking with anyone who had interactions with Mark Hoffman on Dec. 15 or 16, or anyone who was in the vicinity of the crime scene during that period.鈥�

The precise location of the homicide has been confirmed to be west of Highway 5, off Inks Lake Road, within the Logan Lake Community Forest, at the coordinates 50.616435, -120.478799. This clarification is important, as the initial news release generally identified the event as occurring near Inks Lake to the east.

SED MCU has also released a photo of Mark Hoffman, along with his dog, hoping it may trigger memories for those who may have seen them.

The public is encouraged to come forward with any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem. If you were in this area or had any contact with Mark Hoffman during the specified dates, please contact the SED MCU tip line at 1-877-987-8477.