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South Okanagan  

Hedley Homicide

 

12:55 p.m. update: The Southeast District Major Crime Unit have confirmed they are investigating a homicide in Hedley.

Hedley resident Ralph McKay said he heard that Smith was shot in the head and that no weapon was found in the trailer where he lived on Richter Road. There is no confirmation of this by police at this time.

He was found Wednesday evening by a friend after he did not show up for dinner as planned at a Hedley residence.

The friend heard a dog barking inside the trailer and went inside where he found him and called 911, said McKay.

Smith, 55, had lived in Hedley quite a while and had two children. His ex-wife also lives in the town, according to McKay.

McKay said it was a shocking incident in a small town like Hedley, but believes the shooter could have been an acquaintance of Smith. He was also under the understanding that there is already a suspect in jail in Princeton. This also has not been confirmed by police, who say the incident is still under investigation.

“Still, I will lock  my doors at night,” he said.


6 p.m. update: Residents of Hedley say a man named Doug Smith, a former trucker, was found dead at this property Wednesday.

 Smith was well known and liked in the community, according to many. A young man, who gave his first name as Charles, said Smith was like a father to him and recently sold him a truck for $100.

"I am sorry and sad," he said. "I just saw him Tuesday and got the truck a few weeks ago."

Another man, who did not wish to be identified, said Smith lived with two others at the property and that he was decent and pleasant to talk to.

The friend who apparently found him deceased on Wednesday is traumatized, according to those who know the friend.

"It is very shocking in Hedley, it is a small town," said a neighbour. "And right now there are no details  on what happened."


4 p.m.: The Southeast District Major Crime Unit and BC Coroners Service are currently on the scene of a suspicious death at a residence in Hedley, between Princeton and Keremeos on Highway 3.

RCMP were called to the residence at approximately 8 p.m. on March 6, where they located a deceased male.

"This investigation is in the early stages as police are still gathering information to determine what happened stated Cst. Lesley Smith, North District Media Relations Officer Further information is not available at this time, however, when new information is available an updated release may be distributed.



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