Weapon found by bodies

Photo: Facebook

UPDATED: 7:00 P.M.

Const. Jesse O’Donaghey says the RCMP does not have any suspects to look for at this point in the case, but this may change in the future, as the investigation is ongoing. 

UPDATED: 2:48 P.M.

RCMP are confirming a weapon was recovered at the scene where two bodies were discovered Wednesday in West Kelowna.

Const. Jesse O’Donaghey said in a release the bodies were found in close proximity to one another, in the area of Shannon Way and Westville Way.

"The circumstances surrounding the suspected cause and motive of both deaths is being withheld pending further investigation and interviews of the family and associates of both of the deceased,” he said.

O’Donaghey explained police believe that this was an isolated incident.

“We are not yet classifying these deaths. Autopsies are pending, which are expected to be conducted sometime next week, to aid investigators in determining the exact cause of deaths for both individuals.”

The West Kelowna RCMP and the BC Coroner’s Service continue to work closely in this investigation.

Updated information on this case will be provided as it becomes available.

ORIGINAL: 11:55 A.M

Friends and family are mourning the deaths of two people found dead in West Kelowna, Wednesday morning.

According to friends and family on social media, the bodies of Kimberly Ansell and recent high school graduate Marcello Verna were discovered in a grisly scene near Shannon Lake.

Ansell is reported to have lived in the area, and Verna was said to be at her home Tuesday evening with her.

Police are not commenting on the deaths, but multiple sources say a gun was found with the bodies, others suggest it may have been a targeted incident.

Multiple comments received by Castanet refer to the sound of gunshots in the area.

Facebook friends say they are praying for Ansell's family, as she leaves behind two children. Ansell is being remembered as a "beautiful young woman who is gone too soon."

Verna's friends posted to Facebook, sharing stories of how he is well known for his kind heart and friendship.

The victim's bodies were found about 7 a.m. in the woods just off Shannon Way, according to police.

RCMP have not officially released the names of the deceased and are saying little about the incident other than next of kin have been notified, despite information being shared widely on social media.

As of Thursday morning, police are still referring to the case as a sudden death and say they will release further details in coming days.

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