News release
Richmond RCMP renews appeal for information in 1985 homicide of Kim Stolberg
January 29, 2026
-
Richmond, British Columbia
From: Richmond RCMP
On this page
Content
File Number: 85-32442
Forty years after the homicide of 21-year-old Kim Stolberg, Richmond RCMP is renewing its appeal to the public for information that could identify whoever is responsible for her death.
On Wednesday, December 4, 1985, shortly after 8:00 p.m., 21-year-old Kim Dianne Stolberg was on the phone with her sister at her family’s office in Richmond, B.C., discussing plans for a surprise anniversary party for their parents. During the call, Kim told her sister that someone had entered the office whom she didn’t recognize and placed her sister on hold. She never returned to the phone.
Just before 9:00 p.m., Kim was discovered stabbed to death inside the building located along the 7900-block of River Road.
Kim was described by those who knew her as a quiet and caring young woman who loved animals and enjoyed horseback riding. She lived with her parents in Surrey and worked part-time at her family’s engineering business in Richmond. An experienced equestrian, Kim’s parents reported she had told them earlier in the evening that she was going to visit her horse, which was boarded in the Southlands area.
“Forty years have passed, but our commitment to finding answers for Kim and her family has not diminished,” says Staff Sergeant Gene Hsieh, Richmond RCMP Major Crime Commander. “Someone out there knows something. We have investigative tools today that we didn’t have in 1985. Even a small detail, remembered now, could be the key to finding whoever was responsible for Kim’s death.”
An investigator with Richmond RCMP’s Serious Crime Unit has been reviewing the file using modern tools including advances in forensic technology and a digitized case record.
“This remains an active, ongoing investigation, and we’re applying every contemporary tool we have,” says Corporal Carlen Oates. “But we still need the public’s help. If you remember anything from that time, please reach out. A single tip can make all the difference.”
New video appeal released
To support the renewed appeal, Richmond RCMP has released a short video on its social media channels that outlines the key elements of the case and highlights the investigative work underway.
The video aims to reach both current residents and anyone who may have moved away in the decades since the homicide but still holds information that could help move the case forward. Viewers are encouraged to share the video to help reach a broad audience.
Transcript
Video description: A video asking for the public's help to solve a 40 year-old murder case.
[The words “Unsolved Case” are typed onto a folder. The folder opens and the video transitions to an RCMP officer facing the camera. A title appears reading: “S/Sgt. Gene Hsieh Major Crime Commander” Yellow police tape appears behind the officer.]
S/Sgt. Gene Hsieh
“Richmond RCMP is asking for your help to solve a 40 year old murder case.”
[A newspaper article appears with the title: “Who killed Kim?”]
“On the evening of December 4th 1985…”
[A title reads: “Wednesday December 4, 1985”]
[A picture appears of a young Kim Stolberg]
“…21 year old Kim Stolberg was calling her sister from her father’s business to plan a surprise anniversary party for her parents.”
[A title reading: “Father’s Business” appears with an arrow pointing to a picture of the outside of her father’s business.]
[A hand picks up the handset of a rotary phone]
[A young female talks into the phone.]
“Her call was interrupted by a stranger at the door.”
[The young woman puts the headset down.]
[The RCMP officer talks to the camera.]
“Kim was later found stabbed to death in the building located along the 7900 block of River Road.”
[We zoom in on a map of Richmond past a title labeled: “YVR Airport” and zoom into the 7900 block of River Road. A blue box highlights the block. A pin icon points to the blue box. A title appears, reading: “7900 Block River Road”]
[The RCMP officer talks to the camera.]
“Despite early leads, the case remains unsolved.”
[A second RCMP officer talks to the camera. A title appears reading: Cpl. Carlen Oates
Investigator]
Cpl. Carlen Oates
“Today, we are leveraging modern investigative tools…”
[The officer focuses while working at a computer station.]
“…and advancements in DNA technology to review evidence…”
[A liquid handling machine, used for DNA analysis, is operated.]
[We zoom in on the liquid handling machine.]
[Both RCMP officers look over case files together]
[Both RCMP officers read a file.]
“…but we need your help to bring closure and justice to Kim and her family.”
[A picture appears of a young Kim Stolberg]
“If you know anything or anyone associated with this case please come forward.”
[The second RCMP officer talks to the camera.]
“A single tip can make all the difference.”
[A slide appears reading: “Have information about this case?”]
“Have information about this case?”
[A slide appears reading: “Tip Line: 604-204-4600”]
“Call or Email us to leave a tip.”
[A slide appears reading: “Email: RichmondSCU@rcmp-grc.gc.ca”]
[RCMP/GRC copyright notice appears.]
[Government of Canada wordmark with a waving Canadian flag appears.]
Tip line
Anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem, is asked to contact the Richmond RCMP Serious Crime Unit (SCU) at 604-204-4600 or by email at RichmondSCU@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. Please leave your name, contact information, and a summary of the information you have.
Those who wish to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
