Kamloops RCMP have identified both victims in the shootings yesterday in the Tournament Capital and say both were gang-related.
Speaking to members of the media, Inspector Steve McLeod says police believe the shootings, at 6:50 a.m. the Valleyview Super 8 and at 8:25 a.m. the Comfort Inn on Rogers Way, were targeted.
McLeod identified the victims as 31-year-old Cody Mathieu of Kamloops, who was found at the Super 8. He was previously known to police.
The second suspect, who NL News previously learned was 41-one-year-old Rex Gill of Penticton, was found at the Comfort Inn and was not previously known to police.
McLeod says a “suspicious” white car was seen outside the Comfort Inn, which was also found burnt out later in the day in Barnhartvale. Police had no other details of the vehicle.
It’s still unclear according to McLeod if the two shootings are linked.
No arrests have been made yet, but about 50 officers are now working “around the clock” on the homicide investigations, police say.
“The community of Kamloops is going to see a noticeable increase in police presence as a result of these investigations as they unfold,” McLeod says.
“These shootings were very public and put our community at risk. Enough is enough. If you should choose to be involved in these brazen acts, we will take every available action to ensure you stop.”
Mounties ask anyone with information to contact Kamloops RCMP or CrimeStoppers.
#Breaking: Inspector McLeod says both fatal shootings were a result of organized crime, and says both are believed to have been targeted. @RadioNLNews #Kamloops
— Colton Davies (@ColtonDavies_) January 24, 2019
