Killing in Oliver 2nd there in 15 days

The town of Oliver recorded its second murder in less than 30 days, with RCMP confirming a man was killed Thursday morning.

After remaining tight-lipped all Thursday, RCMP issued a press release Friday afternoon saying they are investigating a targeted murder. The name of the victim was not released.

Area residents began telling various media outlets that they believed a shooting had occurred early Thursday morning near the Okanagan Correctional Centre.

The Oliver Daily News on Thursday posted photos on its website of a rural property surrounded by police tape with a forensic team walking around it.

Police are said to have been on the scene shortly after 4:30 a.m.

Shortly after 3 a.m. Thursday, Oliver and Osoyoos RCMP were called to the 8000 block of Highway 97 North for a report that a man was injured and required emergency assistance, said Sgt. Janelle Shoihet, spokesperson for the Lower Mainland RCMP, in a press release.

Police located the man suffering from life-threatening injuries. Despite life-saving measures taken by first responders, the man died at the scene.

Although the investigation is in the early stages, police believe this is a targeted and isolated incident, said Shoihet.

The Southeast District Major Crime Unit is conducting the investigation with assistance from the Oliver RCMP and the Penticton RCMP general investigative section. Investigators are expected to be in the area throughout the weekend.

Police did not state whether they have a suspect in Thursday’s killing.

On July 18, 54-year-old Chris Haacke was shot and killed outside his Oliver home. RCMP have remained quiet about that murder, saying only that the parties involved knew each other. When asked for an update, police said they had nothing new to add and wouldn’t say whether anyone had been arrested.

Anyone with information about either crime is asked to phone the Oliver RCMP at 250-498-3422. Or, if you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).