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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Steve Arstad

I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.

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