Homicide investigation launched after Kelowna man found dead near Penticton

PENTICTON – RCMP have confirmed the death of a man whose body was found south of Penticton earlier this week was a homicide.

The body of a 27-year-old Kelowna man was found near White Lake Road and Willowbrook Road on Tuesday, Jan. 17, just south of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory. Police say he was the victim of an "apparent homicide."

RCMP will not comment on the cause of death or release the identity of the victim until an autopsy is conducted on Monday, according to a media release.

Early the same morning the body was found, fire crews were called to Highway 3A near Kaleden to extinguish a pickup truck fire. The newer model Dodge Ram pickup was fully engulfed in flames when crews arrived and there was no sign of the driver. RCMP say the truck had been abandoned.

"The RCMP have determined this truck was stolen from West Kelowna on Jan. 6," Cpl. Janelle Shoihet says in the release. "Although the RCMP continue to investigate this stolen truck because of its proximity to the deceased, at this point it is unknown if there is a connection between these incidents."

Police are asking anyone with information about these incidents to contact the Penticton RCMP at 250-492-4300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

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