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Princeton RCMP investigating second murder incident in a month

For the second time in less than a month, Princeton RCMP are investigating murders.

 

For the second time in less than a month, Princeton RCMP are investigating murders.

On April 1, 2013, two charges of second degree murder and a charge of attempted murder were laid against 49 year old John Ike Koopmans of Princeton. The accused made his first court appearance on April 2 in Penticton Provincial Court.

The charges relate to the murders of Robert (Keith) Wharton (44 years of age) and Rosemary (Rose) Fox (32 years of age) and the attempted murder of a 48 year old male on the evening of March 30, at a property located on Old Hedley Road in Princeton, B.C. All of the victims are residents of the community of Princeton.

No further details regarding the investigation are being released at this time.

Last month, Princeton RCMP investigated a homicide in Hedley. Police have yet to charge anyone in connection with that murder.

Fatal accident near Hedley

RCMP South Okanagan Traffic Services attend fatal collision East of Hedley

At 4:45 a.m on March 30, a 1993 Ford Escort was westbound on Highway 3 just east of Hedley, B.C.

Upon entering a clockwise turn, the escort crossed the centerline into the oncoming lane. The driver overcorrected and lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle slid into an adjacent field on the south side of the highway. The escort then rolled into a hydro pole. The driver, a 28 year old male from Alberta, was deceased at the scene.

The passenger, a 17 year old Hedley female sustained serious but non life threatening injuries. The passenger was transported to Penticton Hospital by ambulance.

Alcohol and possibly speed are believed to be contributing factors.