Toddler found dead in Kelowna home

The Kelowna RCMP and Ministry of Children and Family Development are investigating after a toddler was found dead in a home yesterday afternoon.

Police were advised Nov. 20, at roughly 1 p.m. that an 18-month-old boy was found dead in a residence in the 1300 block of Richter Street.

RCMP officers, B.C. Ambulance Service and the Kelowna Fire Department were called and attended the scene and confirmed the death, according to the RCMP's news release.

The Kelowna Serious Crime Unit has taken over the investigation, along with support from Kelowna Investigative Services, the B.C. Coroner Service and the Ministry of Child Family Development.

The RCMP will not provide additional details as the investigation is in its early stages, according to police.

Const. Mike Della-Paolera, with the Kelowna RCMP, said every time there's an incident involving a child's death, the ministry is involved as part of standard protocol. 

"Especially when we're not sure of the cause of death," he said.

— This story was updated at 1:49 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, to include a comment from Const. Mike Della-Paolera.

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