4 arrested for 2021 murder of 22-year old local man
Four people were arrested last week in connection with the murder of Taig Savage almost three years ago on a Penticton school field.
“Police are not releasing the identities of the suspects, three of whom were youths at the time of the murder. Each of the accused either remain in custody, or are scheduled to appear in court at a future date,” said RCMP spokesman Cpl James Grandy in a press release Monday afternoon.
“As the matter is now before the courts, no further details may be shared. Penticton RCMP thanks the community for their patience, while investigators thoroughly completed all aspects to bring this matter before the courts.”
The suspects have not actually been charged yet.
Grandy said in a follow-up email Monday the precise charges -- manslaughter, first-degree murder or second-degree murder -- facing each suspect will be determined by Crown counsel following an assessment of the file.
Savage, 22, was found dead on the grounds of Penticton Secondary School early on the morning of Sept. 5, 2021, and police quickly ruled it a homicide. He’s believed to have been pummelled to death in a swarming-type attack.
Police said previously that Savage left his home near the school wearing a hooded sweatshirt and pajamas not long before he was killed.
Savage had been working in construction and came from a family of 10.
“Taig loved people, loved his family. He was a bit of a loner, but would talk with a homeless person for up to four hours. He was nice to the kids who really didn’t fit in,” his mother, Tracey, told the Herald at the time.
“He was not a judgmental person. Taig would give his shirt off his back for anybody.”
Tracey Savage declined to comment Monday on news of the arrests.