Mounties have released little information regarding a death they deemed “suspicious” Tuesday morning.
However, late Wednesday they confirmed the deceased is Amy Jane Parkes, 35. Investigators believe an autopsy being conducted Thursday will prove she was murdered.
RCMP were called to Hiawatha mobile home park to check the welfare of a Kelowna woman at around 9 a.m. April 1, and once there they made a grim discovery.
“The body of a woman was found inside and her death has been deemed suspicious,” said Const. Kris Clark, noting that Kelowna’s Serious Crime Unit is investigating.
Police have been in and out of the unit since their discovery, and interviewing neighbours for what they may have seen.
It’s been a spectacle Hiawatha residents have taken a keen interest in—one resident even moved his couch onto the lawn for the bulk of Tuesday, and a small group gathered to get an upfront look at police activity.
That attention to the happenings at the address now marked with police tape, however, didn’t provide any insights into what may have occurred the night earlier.
Some of those gathered said they knew the couple who had been residing in the unit and expressed concern for their well-being.
“I knew the gentleman who lived there and I met his girlfriend/fiancee a few times. But this is just stunning,” said Steve Russell.
Russell, alongside a group of neighbours and friends, also said they felt no fear for their own safety and believed whatever happened to be contained to the home.
The coroner attended the scene Wednesday and the woman’s body was then removed.
RCMP are looking for Ryan James Quigley, 34, as a person of interest. He is a five-foot-10, 154-pound Caucasian male with brown medium length curly hair and green eyes.
Police are also searching for a burgundy or purple 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara, BC licence plate 944REL.
Mounties warn not to approach Quigley; rather, call 911 immediately.
Anyone with any information is asked to call the Kelowna RCMP, Const Meyers at 250-762-3300. Remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.
