CBC News  Posted:Nov 10, 2011 4:54 AM PT

RCMP in Armstrong, B.C., say they have received a letter from a person claiming to be responsible for the recent killing of Taylor van Diest, an 18-year-old woman.  The letter, which police said they received on Nov. 9, suggests possible further violence against women, said Cpl. Dan Moskaluk. "At this point in time we will not speculate whether the letter is authentic, though we are working to determine who may have sent it. Our primary concern remains the safety of the public," Moskaluk said. "We would hope that the person or persons responsible share our concern.”  Van Diest was found by her friends and family at about 8:45 p.m. on Halloween in the bushes about three metres from a railroad track that runs through Armstrong, which is in B.C.'s north Okanagan region. She had been severely beaten.  Van Diest was taken to a hospital in Kelowna, where she died. Police have released photos of van Diest in the zombie costume she wore on Halloween night, and of the jacket she wore over it.
Police are asking the public to remain vigilant and continue to take extra personal safety precautions, particularly in the central and north Okanagan.  RCMP are recommending that people travel in a group, or ask parents or friends for a ride. Police also encouraged people to travel in areas of the community where they will be clearly visible, and to tell family or friends about travel plans. They also recommend carrying a cellphone and reporting any suspicious activity immediately. The investigation into Van Diest's slaying continues. No arrests have been made.