POLICE – Victim, suspects in murder identified but no names released

The victim and suspected shooter in Saturday night’s murder were known to each other and to police, according to investigators. However, names have not been released.

On Feb. 13, around 7:50 p.m., RCMP responded to a report of shots fired at the Howard Johnson Motel on the 500-block of Columbia Street. When police arrived, they found a deceased man in his twenties in one of the units. He had been shot. The Serious Crime Unit was called in to take over the investigation.

So far, police say they have identified suspects and believe the act of violence to be related to the low-level drug trade. Police believe the homicide was targeted and there is no immediate safety concern to the general public.

The murder scene at the Howard Johnson, as well as two rooms at the Star Lodge, were held as part of the investigation to be searched by police teams including the Forensic Identification Services. Police are also conducting interviews and neighbourhood inquiries, and collecting any video footage that may be available.

Recently, the Kamloops RCMP Detachment has witnessed a steady increase in violence and disturbances associated to low-end drug dealers and debt collectors.

“Although the circumstances surrounding this murder are still under investigation, it’s the same type of violence we have experienced in Kamloops before, involving low-end participants of the illegal drug trade who use violence as a business practice,” said Serious Crime Sergeant Nestor Baird.

“If you are involved in the drug trade at any level, now is the time to rethink the choices you are making and to reach out to other people and agencies that can help you leave that lifestyle behind,” he added.

If anyone has any information related to this investigation, please contact Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000 and reference file number 2021-4173.

The investigation is ongoing.