BC RCMP Major Crime has been deployed to the South Okanagan after the discovery of two deceased individuals in a remote location in the Naramata Creek area on Monday morning.
On May 10, a short time after 10 a.m., frontline Penticton RCMP officers responded to a remote location up Naramata Creek Forest Service Road after a couple, walking in the area, discovered two deceased individuals. Police immediately took steps to secure the location and called upon forensic specialists with the RCMP Integrated Forensic Identification Section to assist with an examination of the scene.
The BC Coroners Service was notified and has also launched a fact-finding investigation into the death of both individuals.
“The priority of major crime investigators will be to conduct a full assessment and gather any and all physical evidence at the scene. Simultaneously, RCMP and the BC Coroners Service will be working collaboratively to establish a positive identification for each of the decedents and work diligently to notify the families of each of the deceased,” said Acting Officer-In-Charge (A/OIC) Superintendent Sanjaya Wijayakoon of the BC RCMP Major Crime Section.
Additional frontline officers were brought in to conduct a search for two individuals moving through the rural area on foot under suspicious circumstances. Uncertain if the two individuals were connected to the unfolding death investigations, or other criminal activity in the small community, a ground search was coordinated with aerial support from RCMP Air Services. Despite an exhaustive search, the two individuals could not be located.
“Although we are still in the very preliminary stages of this investigation, early findings suggest that this was a targeted incident. At this time there is nothing to indicate a greater general risk to public safety,” said Superintendent Brian Hunter, Officer-In-Charge of the Penticton RCMP, on Tuesday. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who were impacted directly or indirectly by yesterday’s operation for their patience and full understanding. I want to re-assure our community that the Penticton RCMP is home to so many brave men and women who continue to respond to these situations, and continue to put their safety on the line to ensure the public is safe.”
Anyone with any additional information is asked to contact the BC RCMP Major Crime information line at 1-877-987-8477.
