POLICE – Arrest made in connection with body found near apartment block

A suspect was arrested today (July 10, 2020) in connection with a body that was left near an alley on Carson Crescent last Nov. 29.

The deceased was identified as 66-year-old David Melvin Boltwood, who had been staying in a nearby apartment. Police don’t believe he was murdered.

RCMP said its Kamloops Serious Crimes Unit arrested Shane Troy Brownlee, 51, today and charged him with one count of interfering with/ offering an indignity to a dead body contrary to S. 182(b) of the Criminal Code.

“I understand that a case like this is difficult for the public to understand,” said S/Sgt. Simon Pillay.

“As investigators, we of course presume a body found in this circumstance was the victim of foul play until proven otherwise. This matter was very carefully investigated and we are satisfied that the death itself was not criminal in nature.

“Given this matter is proceeding to court, I cannot get into the details of how this determination was made because this conclusion was based on specific physical and forensic evidence that was corroborated by witnesses and investigation.”

He said the investigation was greatly assisted by the public’s input. Extensive neighbourhood canvassing took place during the early stages.