No answers after 13 years

Photo: Contributed

This is the second in a series on unsolved murders in the South Okanagan

Early in the morning on July 16, 2002, the body of Mitchell Carl Jorgenson was located at the rear of the Salvation Army Thrift Store in the 300 block of Ellis Street in Penticton.

It was a Salvation Army worker who found him at around 8 a.m. that day and alerted the police.

At the time of his discovery, Jorgenson's face and head were brutally beaten and his body was covered with either a mattress or a blanket. It was believed he was sleeping when he was attacked.

The location served as a dropping off point for old furniture and other household items.

Jorgenson, 39, was believed to be a homeless man who had come from Kelowna to Penticton in the weeks leading up to his death.

It is also thought that he frequented the Oliver area prior to his death.

To this day, Jorgenson's death is being investigated as a homicide.

"The investigation is still open and it's maintained here at the Penticton RCMP general investigation section," said Const. Kelly Grant. "I have been the lead investigator for about a year, and it's ongoing."

The Penticton RCMP are requesting assistance from the public regarding the movements of Jorgenson prior to his death and/or any information surrounding the circumstances leading up to his death.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Penticton detachment at 250-492-4300 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.