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Police watchdog clears Kelowna RCMP in events leading up to homicide

RCMP cleared in homicide

B.C.'s police watchdog has cleared the Kelowna RCMP after an investigation into their actions that saw officers called to a home twice to conduct wellness checks the day before a homicide occurred.

Officers and members of the Police and Crisis team responded to a pair of calls on May 29 regarding the “wellness” of a resident in the 3400-block of Sexsmith Road.

The man departed the residence after police attended.

The next day, a different man who lived at the home, was found dead outside.

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. conducted an investigation into the circumstances of the death, gathering evidence that included statements from civilian witnesses, mental health professionals, and police officers.

"The Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence and determined that the grounds to apprehend the male were not present and the actions of police were proportionate. The IIO investigation is now concluded," the IIO said in a brief statement.

The suspect in the case, Lorence Williams, has been charged with second-degree murder.



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