RCMP investigating 3rd homicide in Naramata

Officers from the Southeast District Major Crime Unit have been called in to assist Penticton RCMP following another homicide in Naramata.

A woman's body was found in a home in Naramata around 5 p.m. yesterday, June 9, in the 3900 block of 3 Street in Naramata and her death is being investigated as a homicide. The bodies of Kamloops brothers Erick and Carlos Fryer were found in the Naramata area last month and their deaths are also the subject of a homicide investigation.

The investigators had gone to the home yesterday in connection to the double homicide.

When police arrived at the home, they found it unlocked after knocking on the door, according to an RCMP media release. Inside they found the body of a woman.

"Investigators… are working closely and sharing information regularly given the links between today’s and last month’s homicides," acting officer in charge Supt. Sanjaya Wijayakoon said in the release. "The investigation into the May deaths of Erick and Carlos Fryer is progressing and we know that their deaths were not a random act and likely connected to local drug and gang activities." 

A preliminary identification of the woman has been completed and investigators are working with the B.C. Coroners Service to confirm the identity. The scene has been secured as investigators remain on site to gather evidence.

"We know that news of another homicide in the community of Naramata will be concerning," Penticton RCMP Supt. Brian Hunter said in the release.

"These appear to be targeted acts, and this type of violence, related to drug and gang activities, is not normal in our community. Additional police resources have been brought into the area and you can expect to see a higher police presence in the days ahead. Now is the time for anyone with information to come forward," Supt. Hunter said.

Members of the province's Uniformed Gang Enforcement Team are in Naramata and using a three-tiered approach of prevention, intervention and suppression to assist the Penticton RCMP and the Southeast District major crime investigators in gathering intelligence and other enforcement action, RCMP said.

Anyone with information, or who may have dash cam or other footage, is asked to contact the Southeast District Major Crime Unit tip line at 1-877-987-8477.

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