Two bodies found on forest service road near Penticton

Members of the BC RCMP Major Crime Unit are in the South Okanagan following the discovery of two bodies near Naramata Creek yesterday.

Shortly after 10 a.m. yesterday, May 10, RCMP were called to a remote location up the Naramata Creek Forest Service Road after a couple who were walking in the area discovered two bodies, according to an RCMP media release.

Police secured the location and called in forensic specialists from the RCMP to assist with a scene examination.

The B.C. Coroners Service has been notified and has launched a fact-finding investigation into the deaths.

"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 major crime section said in the release issued today, May 11.

More officers were brought into the area yesterday to conduct a search for two individuals moving through the area on foot under suspicious circumstances.

It is uncertain if the two individuals are connected to the deaths. In spite of a coordinated ground and aerial search, the two individuals were not found.

"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, 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,” Penticton RCMP Supt. Brian Hunter said in the release.

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

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