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MONTREAL (CUP) — Montreal Police confirmed early Friday that missing Concordia University student Lin Jun was the victim of a gruesome murder that has captured international attention.

It is believed that Lin, 33, was murdered during the night of May 24 and was reported missing on May 29. According to the Chinese consulate in Montreal, friends and family of Lin lost contact with him on May 24.

Luka Rocco Magnotta, 29, is the sole suspect in the shocking murder that has made international news since the discovery of a decapitated body in a suitcase outside of an apartment in Snowdon on Tuesday; the same day Lin’s hand and foot were mailed to political party headquarters in Ottawa.

Magnotta reportedly fled to Europe shortly after posting a video allegedly depicting the murder, decapitation and dismemberment of Lin online on May 26. Magnotta’s current whereabouts are unknown.

In a press conference held Friday, Commander Ian Lafrenière of the Montreal Police announced that Lin, an undergraduate student from China, knew Magnotta.

“We believe from the evidence and the video that the suspect and the victim knew each other,” said Lafrenière. He emphasized that the nature of the relationship was unconfirmed, only that Lin and Magnotta were acquainted.

Montreal Police and Canadian authorities are now working with Interpol to track down Magnotta. All 190 countries have been notified of Magnotta’s disappearance and he is now the center of an international manhunt.

On Friday afternoon, the Montreal Courthouse filed charges of first-degree murder and interfering with the dignity of a dead body against Magnotta.

Friday afternoon, Dr Frederick Lowy, president of Concordia University issued a statement extending his condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

“It is never easy to deal with the loss of a loved one, particularly when the death is unforeseen. Our hearts go out to his family and friends during this very difficult time,” wrote Lowy.

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