Victim died violently

A relative of a woman whose body was found in a Kelowna orchard last week is confirming her identity.

Police investigators are still awaiting the results of an autopsy to positively identify the victim. But, a relative who asked to remain anonymous, identified her as Russia Nicholson.

Facebook posts over the weekend saying the same thing had been deleted and the accounts deactivated by Sunday afternoon.

Nicholson was found dead in an orchard between Cooper and Springfield roads on Oct. 11.

RCMP are investigating the case as murder.

The relative said Nicholson had struggled with addiction the last couple of years and said "it was a real shame" to see her go down that path.

The family had apparently had other brushes with the law in the past, the relative alleged.

Nicholson had become addicted to methamphetamine and had been "in the drug scene for about two years."

"There was no reason for her to be homeless, and even if she was, she had lots of friends and should have been able to find a place," the caller said.

"Police do not believe that she was the victim of a random act," Cpl. Jesse O'Donaghey said last week.

Indeed, the relative said he was told Nicholson was found with her head beaten in.

The Kelowna RCMP Serious Crimes Unit has taken over the lead on the investigation.

Anyone who may have witnessed anything in the area is asked to contact Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300.