Apr. 4/2021 STATEMENTS MADE BY SAANICH POLICE
Certain statements the Saanich Police made to the public have proved to be false. In fairness, their motives could be perfectly innocent, even strategic. However, putting out false information to the public is disingenuous and this huge distortion of the facts leaves the public more confused than ever.
FEBRUARY 2021
CFAX 1030 RADIO INTERVIEW WITH CONSTABLE MARKUS ANASTASIADES
Police re-opening the investigation into the murder of Lindsay Buziak (iheartradio.ca)
Police re-opening the investigation into the murder of Lindsay Buziak
What is being done to solve the homicide of Victoria real estate agent Lindsay Buziak? Constable Markus Anastasiades, the spokesperson for the Saanich Police Department, joined Al to discuss re-opening the case.
Investigation into the Murder of Lindsay Buziak 08-2682
Date: January 31, 2021
File: 08-2682
The following is an update on our efforts in the investigation into the murder of Lindsay Buziak.
Our tight-knit community wants to understand what happened to Lindsay 13 years ago as we are all connected to what happens in this area. To find those answers we have established a task force comprised of new investigators who are taking a fresh look at the case. The task force has obtained assistance from the FBI, and continued support from the RCMP. Both agencies have provided valuable assistance in the development of new leads and forensic evidence.
Lindsay was an ambitious 24-year-old described by her family and friends as popular, caring, and determined to become successful in her career as a licensed real-estate agent. On February 2, 2008, shortly after 5:30 PM, Lindsay was murdered in a vacant home located at 1702 DeSousa Place in Saanich. Lindsay had gone to the home for the purpose of showing it to potential buyers who are still unidentified. Lindsay met the unidentified individuals outside the home at approximately 5:30 PM. Shortly thereafter, she was fatally stabbed in the upstairs bedroom of the home. Her boyfriend entered the vacant home shortly after her murder and called police.
The new investigative team is examining all possible suspects. Investigators continue following up on every tip and lead we receive. Investigators are reviewing and retesting evidence, including items from the crime scene as well as digital evidence. Technology not available at the time of the crime has allowed us to develop new investigative leads. As many of you have likely seen in the media lately, advancements in fields such as genealogy and DNA analysis has led to resolution in many other cases.
Investigators are out conducting interviews related to this case. We thank those people who have already been interviewed, as we anticipate speaking with you again and appreciate your patience. For those we have not engaged with previously, we know there is likely information that has not been shared. We believe people familiar with circumstances surrounding this case remain in our community.
It is sometimes the case that people who may have knowledge initially do not come forward due to their close relationship with those who may have been involved or out of concern for their reputation and standing in the community and among friends. We recognize relationships change over time as do people and their perspectives. It is not too late to come forward. Further, there are times when people are unknowingly brought into a situation by the person or persons responsible. Rest assured we have the ability to filter out innocent people and those whose role in the events was inadvertent.
We ask that members of the community think back to Saturday, February 2nd of 2008. Please visit https://www.saanichpolice.ca/index.php/lindsay-buziak-investigation.html or call our information line at (250) 475-4356 or toll free at 1-888-980-1919 to provide any information you may have, no matter how small it may seem.
Thank you for your time and we look forward to our community’s response and assistance.
A video media release of this statement can be found here:
Cst. Markus Anastasiades
Public Information and Communications Officer
News Release 2018 – Police believe several people have information on the unsolved murder After 10 years, Saanich Police regret not solving Lindsay Buziak case – – Feb 1 – 2018 Saanich Police believe multiple people have first-hand knowledge regarding the murder of Lindsay Buziak. The 24-year-old realtor was stabbed to death while showing a home in Saanich’s Gordon Head neighborhood on Feb. 2 – 2008.
“As with other pre-planned and targeted murders, the perpetrators and/or conspirators have taken steps to avoid apprehension by police. We believe multiple persons have personal and first-hand knowledge regarding the murder of Lindsay Buziak and have withheld this information from police,” said Sgt. Jerome Leslie with Saanich Police. He said Saanich Police have worked tirelessly with the RCMP and Victoria Police in partnerships to achieve success. “As with all criminal offences in B.C., the standard of Crown counsel charge approval must be met. Saanich Police are continuing to work towards success in this investigation, and the case remains active and ongoing as we move towards a successful conclusion to this investigation.”
The community will show its support for Buziak’s family at Friday’s Lindsay Buziak Memorial Walk for Justice which starts at 10 a.m. outside Royal Oak Burial Park. It will wind its way to the site of the murder before ending outside Saanich’s Municipal Hall. “It has been noted that Internet sites, blogs, and other social media platforms have provided a forum for much speculation relating to this murder and ongoing investigation,” said Leslie. “Although not actively participating, the Saanich Police are aware of the many falsehoods, accusations, and erroneous information posted on the Internet. While providing clarification is difficult, the investigators are aware that much of the posted information is either false, misleading, or deliberately fabricated.”
He said the investigation conducted by the Saanich Police was subject to a review by the RCMP Office of Investigation Standards and Practices, which reaffirmed the investigation processes being undertaken by Saanich Police. As with all police agencies across Canada, the standards of Major Case Management (MCM) provide a strict framework relating to the manner and structure of the police investigational team. Also, Saanich Police participated in Strategic Advisory Groups with other homicide officers from across the Province including members of IHIT from the lower mainland. All of these steps were undertaken to ensure the highest level of investigational standards were being met.
Police believe several people have information on unsolved murder
Feb 1 – 2018 – Global News https://globalnews.ca/video/embed/4001814/
The investigation is still active, with police working through tips from the public. Saanich police know two people went into the home with Lindsay 10 years ago, but haven’t found what they need to recommend charges or make an arrest. “It’s a complex investigation as all homicide investigations often are. Sadly, it has been 10 years and certainly we had wished we would have a quicker result for the friends and family of Lindsay Buziak,” said Saanich Police Staff Sgt. Chris Horsley.
“Saanich Police said they do not discuss suspects but have ruled out Lindsay’s boyfriend Jason Zailo.” Police are asking anyone who has knowledge of what happened 10 years ago to come forward. “It certainly makes it harder when these are pre-planned events and people have conspired beforehand to make sure they are not apprehended,”
Horsley – “We firmly believe there is a reasonable size group that has knowledge. Those are the people we have always sought out and we continue to do so.”
Feb 1 – 2018 – Global News TV Interview S/Sgt. Chris Horsley from the Saanich police gives an update on the Lindsay Buziak case on the tenth anniversary of her murder.
https://globalnews.ca/video/embed/4000618/ TRANSCRIPT: News Anchor:
Well, police are renewing their commitment to the community a decade after the murder of a local realtor, 24-year-old Lindsay Buziak was stabbed and killed while showing a home in 2008, her killer has never been brought to justice. Joining us this morning is S/Sgt. Chris Horsley from the Saanich Police Dept. Thank you very much for being with us today. Now, tomorrow as you know, marks 10 years since Lindsay’s murder, I know this isn’t an easy question to answer but why haven’t we seen any charges laid?
Chris Horsley: Well, certainly it’s a complex investigation as all homicide files often are, sadly it has been 10 years and we certainly wish we’d had a quicker result for the friends and family of Lindsay Buziak, however, the investigation is still ongoing and we are hopeful that we will be successful in bringing those responsible before justice.
News Anchor: I understand that there has been lots of information, tips, even confessions that have been posted online, how useful has that information been?
Chris Horsley: Well, the stark reality is, it’s been of no use whatsoever. You know I guess it’s a testament to the modern era we are in with social media platforms, websites, and blogs. We have people that are creating fake identities, posting anonymous information, even confessions like you mentioned. All of those have to be investigated and they were, unfortunately, those have been proven to be completely false and in many ways it makes what is already a hard task even harder we are having to go through this myriad of nonsense that people are posting anonymously and it certainly makes it far more challenging for the police.
News Anchor: Now, considering you’re saying that a lot of these posts and confessions have been false is this a matter of having a suspect, someone in mind but not having the evidence to prove it?
Chris Horsley: Well, with any homicide investigation where it’s not readily apparent at the onset who’s responsible there may be many investigative avenues and we’ve certainly gone down lots of those, we’ve had suspects, we’ve ruled out suspects and we’re certainly continuing with our investigation but by no means is this a cold case. Therefore, it’s an active file with the Saanich Police and we certainly wouldn’t discuss our suspects openly on TV.
News Anchor: Of course, but you do say this was a targeted, pre-planned, murder so someone went to great lengths to make sure no evidence was left behind?
Chris Horsley: Yeah, often there is a solvability factor with all homicides and you know you may have loads of forensic evidence, or perhaps witness testimony and of course other ones you’re lacking in those areas, and that greatly reduces that solvability factor, however, we firmly believe every single homicide is solvable including this one but, you know it certainly makes it harder when these are pre-planned events and people have conspired beforehand to ensure that they are not apprehended. Those are definitely tougher to prove.
News Anchor: And, I understand police believe that there are people out there withholding information, what’s the message you want to get out right now?
Chris Horsley: Well, we certainly know that there was pre-planning for this event, we know that more than one person was present at the actual crime scene we also know that there’s likely conspirators that acted beforehand so we firmly believe there is a reasonable sized group that have personal and first-hand knowledge, those are the people that we’ve always sought out and we will continue to do so, unfortunately, of course, it often gets lost in the white noise of social media with people posting things that they really don’t have that first-hand knowledge of.
Press Releases 10 Year Remembrance of Lindsay Buziak Murder On February 2 – 2008, local realtor Lindsay Buziak was murdered in the Gordon Head area of Saanich, British Columbia. Since this date, investigators from the Saanich Police have worked diligently to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible. As the investigation approaches the 10-year milestone since Lindsay’s murder, the Saanich Police wish to reaffirm their organizational commitment as they work towards justice for Lindsay Buziak and her family and friends. It has been noted that Internet sites, blogs, and other social media platforms have provided a forum for much speculation relating to this murder and ongoing investigation.
Although not actively participating, the Saanich Police are aware of the many falsehoods, accusations, and erroneous information posted on the Internet. While providing clarification is difficult, the investigators are aware that much of the posted information is either false, misleading, or deliberately fabricated. The murder investigation conducted by the Saanich Police was subject to a review by the RCMP Office of Investigational Standards and Practices (OISP), which reaffirmed the investigational processes being undertaken by Saanich Police. As with all police agencies across Canada, the standards of Major Case Management (MCM) provide a strict framework relating to the manner and structure of the police investigational team.
Also, Saanich Police participated in Strategic Advisory Groups with other homicide officers from across the Province including members of IHIT from the lower mainland. All of these steps were undertaken to ensure the highest level of investigational standards were being met. Saanich Police have worked tirelessly with the RCMP and Victoria Police in partnerships to achieve success. After 10-years of work, we regret that success has not been achieved to date in our investigation.
As with other pre-planned and targeted murders, the perpetrators and/or conspirators have taken steps to avoid apprehension by police. We believe multiple persons have personal and first-hand knowledge regarding the murder of Lindsay Buziak and have withheld this information from police. As with all criminal offences in British Columbia, the standard of Crown Counsel charge approval must be met. Saanich Police are continuing to work towards success in this investigation, and the case remains active and ongoing as we move towards a successful conclusion to this investigation.
Sgt. Jerome Leslie SPD File 2008-02682 refers
http://saanichpolice.ca/index.php/media-releases/1235-10-year remembrance-of-lindsay-buziak-murder.
People are withholding information in Buziak murder case, police say Feb 1- 2018 Saanich police say they have worked diligently for the past 10 years to find the people responsible for the murder of Lindsay Buziak.
On the eve of the 10th anniversary of her murder, Saanich police sent out a statement reaffirming their commitment to get justice for Buziak, her family and friends. The 24-year-old real estate agent was stabbed and killed while showing a vacant home in Gordon Head on Feb. 2, 2008. Saanich police said they believe a number of people have personal and first-hand knowledge of her murder and have withheld this information. “Saanich police have worked tirelessly with the RCMP and Victoria police in partnerships to achieve success. After 10-years of work, we regret that success has not been achieved to date in our investigation. As with other pre-planned and targeted murders, the perpetrators and/or conspirators have taken steps to avoid apprehension by police,” the statement said.
Lindsay’s father, Jeff Buziak, has been highly critical of the police investigation. He has created a website about her murder. Saanich police say websites, blogs, and social media platforms have provided a forum for a lot of speculation about the murder and the investigation. “Although not actively participating, the Saanich police are aware of the many falsehoods, accusations, and erroneous information posted on the Internet. While providing clarification is difficult, the investigators are aware that much of the posted information is either false, misleading, or deliberately fabricated,” the statement said.
The Buziak murder investigation was reviewed by the RCMP Office of Investigation Standards and Practices. Saanich police also participated in strategic advisory groups with other homicide officers from across the province including members of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team from the Lower Mainland. All of these steps were undertaken to ensure the highest level of investigation standards were being met, said Saanich police Sgt. Jereme Leslie. “As with all criminal offences in British Columbia, the standard of Crown counsel charge approval must be met.
Saanich police are continuing to work towards success in this investigation, and the case remains active and ongoing as we move towards a successful conclusion to this investigation,” said Leslie. At 10 a.m. Friday, Jeff Buziak will lead a 17-kilometre Walk For Justice starting at Royal Oak Burial Park. passing the house where Buziak was killed, and ending up at Saanich Municipal Hall. ldickson@timescolonist.com
Saanich PoliceVerified account @SaanichPolice 9h9 hours ago CHEK 6 TV Interview
Sgt. Horsley Saanich Police are defending the investigation, which has taken up thousands of hours of investigative time and has been reviewed by the RCMP. But investigators are sounding the alarm over the websites and blogs people have set up to try and find Lindsay’s killers. Police say all the speculation, and in some cases misinformation, may actually be hurting the investigation. “People posting false allegations, misinformation and really a bunch of nonsense on the internet does not help,” says S/Sgt. Chris Horsley of the Saanich Police Department. “Every hour we spend chasing down some nonsense from the internet is an hour we’re not spending actually trying to find the real people responsible.” https://www.cheknews.ca/dad-slams-saanich-police-10th-anniversary-lindsay-buziak-murder-414585/
Times-Colonist Feb 2 – 2018
Saanich police said they believe a number of people have personal and first-hand knowledge of the killing and have withheld this information. A statement released Thursday says: “Saanich police have worked tirelessly with the RCMP and Victoria police in partnerships to achieve success. After 10 years of work, we regret that success has not been achieved to date in our investigation. As with other pre-planned and targeted murders, the perpetrators and/or conspirators have taken steps to avoid apprehension by police.”
Lindsay Buziak Story
10 years later The investigation is still active, with police working through tips from the public. Saanich police know two people went into the home with Lindsay 10 years ago, but haven’t found what they need to recommend charges or make an arrest. “It’s a complex investigation as all homicide investigations often are. Sadly, it has been 10 years and certainly we had wished we would have a quicker result for the friends and family of Lindsay Buziak,” said Saanich Police Staff Sgt. Chris Horsley.
Saanich Police said they do not discuss suspects but have ruled out Lindsay’s boyfriend Jason Zailo. Police are asking anyone who has knowledge of what happened 10 years ago to come forward. “It certainly makes it harder when these are pre-planned events and people have conspired before hand to make sure they are not apprehended,” Horsley said. “We firmly believe there is a reasonable size group that has knowledge. Those are the people we have always sought out and we continue to do so.”
In 2008, and again in 2019, the RCMP assisted the Saanich police by conducting comprehensive reviews of the Saanich police investigation where RCMP subject-matter experts worked at the Saanich Police Department then forwarded with the recommendations of the most recent review. The Lindsay Buziak homicide remains an open and active investigation of the Saanich police, and we remain committed to bringing this file to a successful conclusion.”
TOP DETECTIVE IN SAANICH, JOHN CHARLTON FACED NO SHORTAGE OF CHALLENGES.
It was the nature of the job. Before retiring in 2007, Charlton ran the Saanich police detective division for seven years, managing 40 officers in seven different sections. Under his watch, Saanich had one of the highest homicide clearance rates in the province. THERE’S BEEN ONLY ONE UNSOLVED MURDER IN THE PAST 18 YEARS. Colleagues refer to Charlton as a calm veteran who used an organized, analytical mind to tackle extraordinarily complex files, from murders to robberies. There was always another cold case to be warmed, another file where the leads appeared exhausted, unless he organized the clues into a fresh pattern.
“John was always one to take the path less travelled,” said deputy chief Mike Chadwick, who worked patrol with him 30 years ago. “He would go to extraordinary lengths to investigate what one would regard as the most routine files.” He played a key role in solving some of the region’s major cases, such as the slayings of Ravi Nutt in 2004 and Donna Grant in 1996. He was forced to shoot and kill a man who pulled a gun during a domestic dispute in 1984, an incident he describes as one of the most difficult points in his career.
“He was very good at getting confessions,” said Don Laughton, Victoria’s head Crown counsel from 1986 to 1992. “He didn’t come across a stern, ‘I’m-a-cop, you’re-a-dirtbag,’ kind of thing. He talked their language.” Major crime investigations changed significantly during his career, from a time when one or two cops handled entire files, to the modern method of front-end loading a crush of uniforms to do the grunt work.
Saanich chief Derek Egan said Charlton could cut to the heart of a matter and not get bogged down in minutia. Consequently, the chief said he came to rely greatly on the veteran detective’s judgment.
“I’ve had a really good run,” said Charlton. “This was a lot like being fortunate enough to play a professional sport. You’re doing what you like, it’s not a job. I never went to work to be a policeman, I went to work and got to be a policeman.”
FEBRUARY 7/2008
Jason Zailo, the boyfriend of slain real estate agent Lindsay Buziak, returned to 1702 De Sousa Pl. on Wednesday to help Saanich police re-enact events surrounding her killing. At the same time, investigators confirmed that Ms. Buziak died from multiple stab wounds according to a forensic autopsy conducted Tuesday. But in order to protect the ongoing investigation, they wouldn’t reveal the EXTENT of her injuries, other than to say there was no evidence she was sexually assaulted.
FEBRUARY 22/2008
Police continue to gather fingerprints and footprints from people who had been inside an empty home where the body of real estate agent Lindsay Buziak was found earlier this month, in an attempt to eliminate suspects. Major crime investigators started the work -considered routine as part of a murder investigation – after Buziak, 24, was found stabbed to death in a bedroom of the Gordon Head home she was trying to sell Feb. 2.
Real estate agents say they’ve been submitting their fingerprints to police, as well as information on shoe types and sizes. Real estate agents say they’ve tried to help police identify anyone who had been in the home at 1702 De Sousa Pl. on a previous showing or open house, but that it will be hard to track down all those people because some of them did not provide their identities.
Email Address: murderondesousa@gmail.com