Koopmans jury trial starts

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

John Ike Koopmans at the courthouse last week

EDITOR'S NOTE: the following article contains graphic court evidence.

The two people allegedly shot and killed by a Princeton acquaintance both sustained three gunshot wounds, Crown counsel told Penticton court on Wednesday.

John Ike Koopmans is facing one count of first-degree murder in the death of Robert Keith Wharton, another count of first-degree murder in the death of Rosemary Fox and a third count of attempted murder.

According to Crown counsel Frank Dubenski, on March 30, 2013, Wharton, 43, and Fox, 32, were killed by a gunman on a semi-rural property at 331 Old Hedley Rd.

On that date, Bradley Martin, the surviving victim, was watching TV in the living room of Wharton's home, when Koopmans arrived unexpectedly and was allowed entrance by Fox.

It appeared he had matters to discuss, and he went to the bedroom where Wharton and Fox were.

Martin was concerned about the nature of the discussion and went to the bedroom, where Koopmans allegedly pulled out a gun and shot him in the right upper chest.

He fled the home, leaving his friends, who he never saw again.

Both Wharton and Fox, died at the scene, with Wharton sustaining three gunshot wounds to the head.

The wounds were fatal, and death occurred quickly, said Dubenski.  

As for Fox, the first bullet struck her left cheek, while the second struck her left lower chest.

She also died within minutes. The third bullet hit the left side of her right ankle.

Martin and firearms and forensic experts are expected to testify in the trial, along with those who dealt with Koopmans and his belief the victims were responsible for a break-in on his property.

Two guns were recovered, a .38-calibre handgun and a .357 magnum handgun.

Witness Const. Tim Russell with the Southeast District Major Crimes Unit, described arriving in Princeton the following day, March 31, 2013. 

After a briefing, he was parked on Tulameen Avenue, when he heard a call for assistance. 

He arrived quickly and noticed activity on the back of the property on Old Hedley Road.

He ran to the area and heard an officer yelling commands for someone to come out of a truck camper with their hands up.

He said Koopmans exited the camper wearing a dark leather jacket, blue jeans and boots.

Graphic photos and video showing the deceased couple lying on the bed in the bedroom where they were shot, along with the layout of the property, was shown to the jury in the late afternoon.

Defence lawyer Don Skogstad did not give an opening address, but told the jury he wants to draw their attention to two Crown witnesses, Martin and a second man.

The trial continues.