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The boyfriend of a girl killed in South Surrey almost two years ago has been charged in relation to that homicide.

Harjot Deo, 21, was arrested at Vancouver International Airport on Friday and charged with second-degree murder.

Bhavkiram “Kiram” Dhesi, 19, was found in a burned out SUV on Aug. 2, 2017, near 187 Street and 24 Avenue in South Surrey.

RCMP Supt. Donna Richardson, who leads the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) said Monday Deo had become a person of interest fairly early on, but evidence gathering can be a slow and arduous process.

“IHIT investigators worked tirelessly since August, 2017 to gather sufficient evidence (for charge approval),” Richardson said at a news conference Monday. Investigators are still looking for others who have information.

Dhesi’s body was found in a burned vehicle, near 187 Street and 24 Avenue in South Surrey in August, 2017.

Last December, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) appealed to the public to help identify two vehicles believed at the time to be involved in the homicide. They were a dark grey Audi Q7 and dark grey Dodge Ram Truck.

Richardson said IHIT is wanting to speak to the driver of the other vehicle.

Dhesi’s younger sister Anjali Dhesi also appealed to the public at the time, asking for anyone with information about the homicide to come forward.

“Our broken hearts will never heal, and we have no answers as to why this happened to her,” Anjali said. “Kiran made our family whole and gave our lives meaning.

“She didn’t deserve this but she deserves justice.”

Surrey RCMP and the IHIT have scheduled an announcement for 11 this morning.

According to court records, Deo has no extensive history with the courts, and shows only a few traffic infractions.

His next court appearance is in Surrey Provincial Court on May 27.