Kamloops RCMP is on the lookout for witnesses to a murder at a local hotel on Saturday.
According to police, around 7:50 pm, officers responded to reports of shots fired at the Howard Johnson Motel on the 500-block of Columbia Street. Upon arrival, they found a man in his 20s who had been shot in one of the units.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene. The Serious Crime Unit was then called in to take over the investigation.
Investigators believe the homicide was targeted and related to the illegal drug trade. There is no immediate safety concern to the public.
"The murder scene at the Howard Johnson, as well as the Star Lodge, are being held as part of this investigation to be searched by police teams including the Forensic Identification Service," said Cst. Crystal Evelyn.
Police are also conducting interviews and neighbourhood inquiries, collecting any video footage in the process.
"This homicide occurred early in the night at a time when many people are usually still awake. If anyone saw anything suspicious at all that they think may be related to this investigation, please contact us right away. Maybe you saw someone hanging around the area who caught your eye, or maybe it was someone running away in a hurry around 8 p.m. when the call came in – if you think that something you heard or saw may be related, please let us know.”
Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact Kamloops RCMP at (250)828-3000.
