Dead body found in Kelowna house fire still unidentified

KELOWNA – More than a month after a body was found in the aftermath of a Kelowna house fire, investigators still have no idea who the victim was or how they died.

Fire ripped through the home on Stockwell Avenue early April 1, and was so fully involved when firefighters arrived, they were unable to enter until after the fire was put out.

RCMP called both the fire and the death “suspicious.”

No name or gender was released and six weeks later police still have no idea who died in the fire.

“My understanding is that the specialists working on the case were unable to conclusively identify the individual through conventional methods, such as fingerprints and dental charts,” Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey says. “They are now relying on DNA analysis which could take some time to process.”

The death cannot be classified a homicide or an accident until identity is confirmed, however, O’Donaghey says both the death and circumstances surrounding the fire are still considered suspicious.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300. Or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leave a tip online or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.

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