Murder charge laid in death of UBCO security guard

The death of a security guard at the University of BC Okanagan campus in Kelowna has led to a man being charged with murder.

Police say Harmandeep Kaur, 24, was assaulted in one of the buildings on the campus on Feb. 26, 2022 and later died of her injuries.

A man working at the university, said to be a janitor, was apprehended under the Mental Health Act.

“Following an investigation spearheaded by the Kelowna RCMP Serious Crimes Unit, today, on April 5, 2022, the BC Prosecution Service approved one count of second degree murder against 22–year-old Dante Ognibene-Hebbourn of Kelowna,” said Constable Mike Della-Paolera, media relations officer for Kelowna RCMP.

The suspect has been arrested and is expected to appear in court again on April 6.

“This has been a difficult few weeks for the community in the aftermath of the tragic events of February 26. The response in support to the woman’s family has been remarkable. I would like to thank the Kelowna Serious Crimes Unit and the first responders for their work to bring this case before the court,” said Insp Beth McAndie, investigative service officer for the Kelowna RCMP.

Kaur had only recently become a permanent resident of Canada before she was attacked for unknown reasons.