SFU Lecturer Found Murdered in Mission: Two Arrested, Investigations Continue — What BC Residents Should Know

British Columbia authorities have charged two people with murder after the body of a former Simon Fraser University mathematics instructor, reported missing in early February, was located in the District of Mission in March.

Masood Masjoody, an Iranian‑born mathematician who taught at SFU from 2018 to 2020, was reported missing on February 2. On March 6 police located his body in Mission. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) says two people — identified in court records as Mehdi Ahmadzadeh Razavi, who lives in Maple Ridge, and Arezou Soltani of North Vancouver — have been arrested and face first‑degree murder charges.

Investigators say the three had engaged in prolonged disputes on social media. Court documents revealed that Masjoody had been involved in a string of civil cases — as many as 11 since 2020 — and was previously found by an appeal court judge to be a malicious litigant, a designation that limits access to further appeals. He had made public allegations linking the two suspects to Iranian government activities and, in sworn statements, said he feared for his life and that a group was seeking a way to "kill" him. A BC doctor who appeared in his filings expressed concern for her own safety after being named.

The suspects have provided different accounts in court filings: one alleges she tried to help Masjoody during a period of political activism and later distanced herself as the relationship deteriorated and legal actions followed. Authorities say whether political or overseas connections motivated the killing remains under active investigation.

Court appearances for the charged individuals have been held by video. They attended a virtual hearing on March 16, and another date is scheduled as the case proceeds through the courts.

For those who live, work or invest in Metro Vancouver, the case has raised local concerns well beyond the courtroom: it highlights how personal disputes amplified online can have physical safety consequences, and how neighbourhoods can be affected when violent crime occurs.

What this means in BC

Community safety and perception: High‑profile violent incidents attract attention and can temporarily change how a neighbourhood is perceived. For homeowners and landlords, this can influence buyer and renter interest in the short term. However, isolated incidents do not usually produce long‑term declines in property values unless they point to systemic safety issues.

Tenant screening and landlord responsibilities: Landlords should follow legal, privacy‑aware tenant screening practices and take reasonable steps to protect other residents — including timely reporting of threats or harassment to police. Rental providers should also document incidents and cooperate with law enforcement when disputes escalate.

Condo and neighbourhood security: Strata councils and property managers may want to review building access controls, guest policies and incident response plans. Enhanced security measures and transparent communication can reassure residents and limit reputational damage.

Investors and market watchers: Monitor local crime statistics and community sentiment. Short‑lived dips in interest can present buying opportunities for patient investors, but sustained safety concerns should factor into due diligence.

Online disputes and personal risk: The case underscores the real‑world consequences of online conflict. Residents and community leaders should be mindful about escalating disputes on public platforms and seek legal or mediation resources before matters intensify.

As the IHIT probe continues, officials have reiterated that the investigation remains active and warned against speculation. Anyone with information is asked to contact police; for neighbours, property managers and market participants, vigilance and prudent safety planning are the immediate takeaways.