UPDATE: Autopsies set for bodies found near Penticton

Police believe the deaths of two people in a remote area near Penticton were an isolated incident.

“At this time there is nothing to indicate a greater general risk to public safety. Should we recover any information or evidence to suggest otherwise we are committed to notifying the media and the public,” Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, RCMP spokesperson, said.

Officers attended a site on the Naramata Creek Forest Service Road May 10 after receiving information about an unresponsive person in need of medical attention. When officers arrived in the area they found two dead people.

“Since that time, major crime investigators have tentatively identified one of the two individuals and are actively trying to confirm the identity of the second deceased person. In addition, at least one motor vehicle was located in the surrounding area. It has been seized and remains part of the still ongoing investigation,” O’Donaghey said.

A forensic autopsy has been scheduled for Friday, and the public can expect to see an increased RCMP presence in Naramata as police continue to secure the primary scene, awaiting the results of that autopsy.

“We fully appreciate the impact that such a discovery like this has on the community as a whole and on the families and loved ones of each of these individuals. Investigators have been working around the clock on this investigation. They are dedicated to determining what happened here and holding the person or persons responsible, accountable for their actions,” the corporal stated.

O’Donaghey said anyone who may have seen something unusual or odd is asked to contact police, including information about the two individuals that were seen in the area.

“At this point there is no evidence that links the two people observed in the area to the deceased people. Officers would still like to identify who they were to eliminate them from the ongoing investigation. If anyone knows who they may be they can contact the Penticton RCMP,” O’Donaghey said.

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May 11: Bodies of two people found near Penticton

A discovery by some people out walking near Penticton has promoted a major police investigation.

On Monday May 10, just after 10 a.m., RCMP responded to a remote location up Naramata Creek Forest Service Road after a couple, walking in the area, came across two dead people.

Police took steps to secure the location and called on RCMP forensic specialists to assist with an examination of the scene.

“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,” Acting Officer-In-Charge Supt. Sanjaya Wijayakoon of the BC RCMP Major Crime Section, said.

Officers also conducted a search for two people moving through the rural area on foot, under suspicious circumstances. It was not known if the two individuals were connected to the death investigation, or other criminal activity in the small community, and a ground and air search was conducted but the two people were not 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,” Supt. Brian Hunter, Officer-In-Charge of the Penticton RCMP, said.

“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,” Hunter added.

Anyone with any additional information is asked to contact the Major Crime information line at 1-877-987-8477.