Victim of weekend West Kelowna shooting identified

WEST KELOWNA – The identity of the man found dead in a vehicle in Glenrosa last weekend been confirmed from social media.

A post on Facebook says it was Joel James Pennell, born 1990, died during a targeted attack on McTaggart Road around 8:15 p.m. Sept. 1. His identity was first reported by the Kelowna Capital News.

RCMP did not release his identity but confirmed the death is considered homicide.

“Preliminary findings suggest that the incident was, in fact, a targeted attack,” Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey says. “The victim, a 27-year-old West Kelowna man, who investigators believe lived a high risk lifestyle, was well known to police.”

Court records show Pennell was charged with seven counts of trafficking drugs in Prince George in 2011. He was also charged with possession of a firearm.

The General Investigations Section of the West Kelowna RCMP detachment is working with the B.C. Coroners Service. Both are being supported by the Kelowna RCMP Serious Crimes Unit and forensic investigators with the Kelowna RCMP Integrated Forensic Identification Services section.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the West Kelowna RCMP Detachment at 250-768-2880. Or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.

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