Organized crime behind the violence, say police

THE Kamloops homicide victims have been identified as Cody Marcel Mathieu, 31, of Kamloops, Rex Edward Gill, 41, of Penticton.

On Wednesday (January 23), Kamloops RCMP responded to two homicides where the victims were shot at separate locations within the city.  Both crime scenes were outside of local hotels. Later the same day, a vehicle was found burning in the Barnharvale area.  This vehicle matches the description of a vehicle seen in the area at the time of the second
homicide, police say.

In order to further these investigations, Kamloops RCMP Major Crime Unit identified the victims. The victim from the Super 8 Hotel was Mathieu who was known to police.  The victim from the Comfort Inn and Suites was gill and was not known to police.

Through investigation, it is believed that organized crime was behind this violence.  All units within Kamloops RCMP are fully engaged in these investigations.  As well, resources from Southeast District Major Crime Unit, Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) BC and the Uniformed Gang Task Force have been seconded to Kamloops for this
investigation. There are currently approximately 50 investigators working around the clock on these homicides.

Police say any violence in public spaces is dangerous and they believe both of Wednesday’s shootings were targeting specific people.

Kamloops RCMP ask that anyone who may have been at either the Super 8 Hotel or Comfort Inn and Suites at the time of the shootings and had active dash-cam videos or witnessed either shooting, to contact them.

If you have any information about either crime, contact Kamloops RCMP or, if you wish to remain anonymous, contact CrimeStoppers.