RCMP seek information about homicide of Erika Ann Vautour, 39, of Saint-Ignace

RCMP have identified the woman killed in Saint-Ignace, near Richibucto, over the weekend as Erika Ann Vautour in the hope that people with information about the homicide investigation will come forward.

Vautour, 39, was found unresponsive in her home on Saint-Ignace Road in the eastern New Brunswick community on Sunday morning by someone who knew her, said RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jullie Rogers-Marsh.

Police responded to a 911 call to the home shortly after 6:30 a.m. and Vautour was transported to the hospital, where she later died, said Rogers-Marsh.

An autopsy was conducted on Monday and the case was deemed a homicide, but the cause of death is not being released "at this point," she said, citing the ongoing investigation.

Rogers-Marsh also declined to say whether any weapons were involved.

"The RCMP's major crime unit is asking to speak with anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity" on Saint-Ignace Road between Saturday evening and Sunday morning, said Rogers-Marsh.

That could include suspicious people, suspicious vehicles, or "anything that was out of the ordinary," she said, noting people who live in the community know the area well.

Members of the major crime unit and forensic identification unit remained at the scene on Tuesday, said Rogers-Marsh. "Sometimes it does take a bit of time to process a scene, so they may be there for a bit."

She declined to release the civic address or say whether police were previously familiar with the address, but did say she believed Vautour lived alone.

"Our investigators are working diligently to try to determine exactly what happened and who was involved," said Rogers-Marsh.

Based on the investigation so far, police believe the killing is an isolated incident, she said, without elaborating.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the major crime unit at 1-888-506-7267 (RCMP) or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or www.crimenb.ca.