POLICE – Kamloops woman Jo-Anne Donovan’s death confirmed as homicide

An autopsy on a woman whose body was found last week has confirmed she was the victim of homicide.

The body of Jo-Anne Donovan, 57, was discovered near her residence on March 22, 2023, about a week after she was reported missing to police.

Donovan was last believed to be seen on March 13. An autopsy was scheduled for today (March 28, 2023) to confirm her identity and to determine the cause of her death.

“Sadly, the autopsy results verified what investigators initially suspected, that Jo-Anne Donovan was the victim of homicide,” said Cpl. Dave Marshall of the Kamloops RCMP Serious Crime Unit.

“As our investigation continues, so too does our appeal for more information from the public to help us timeline Jo-Anne’s last movements and determine exactly what transpired.”

Donovan was known to frequent the North Shore and Brocklehurst areas of Kamloops. She enjoyed going for walks around McArthur Island Park, the Kamloops Airport, and Tranquille Farms.

Police are still seeking witnesses who may have seen her or her grey Chevrolet Impala around March 13, the date she is believed to have gone missing.

“Police are also seeking to speak with anyone who recently spoke with Jo-Anne or visited her residence, who has not already been contacted by investigators,” said Cpl. Marshall.

He said an extensive forensic search of Donovan’s residence and vehicle have and continue to be conducted, with assistance from the Forensic Identification Services Unit, General Investigation Support Team, and frontline officers.

No further information will be provided at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation, stated a news release.

The Kamloops RCMP Serious Crime Unit is asking anyone who has any information regarding Jo-Anne Donovan to contact the detachment at 250-828-3000.