2 bodies found on forestry road in Okanagan were likely victims of 'targeted incident,' police say

A couple out for a walk in a remote area of B.C.'s South Okanagan region this week discovered the bodies of two people that investigators now believe were the victims of a "targeted incident."

The bodies were found Monday morning in the area ofNaramata Creek Forest Service Road, and Penticton RCMP called in forensics experts to help investigate, according to a police press release.

"Although we are still in the very preliminary stages of this investigation, early findings suggest that this was a targeted incident. At this time there is nothing to indicate a greater general risk to public safety," Penticton RCMP Supt. Brian Hunter said in the release.

On Wednesday, Penticton RCMP announced it hasidentified one of the bodies, but is still working to confirm the identify of the second individual.

A vehicle was also found near the area, which has since been seized and is now part of the investigation.

Police are now askinganyone whonoticed anything suspicious around the Naramata Creek area to contact them.

Originally, police saidtheyreceived reports of two other people who were walking through the area "under suspicious circumstances," and additional police officers and RCMP Air Services were brought in to search for them.

Despite what police describe as an exhaustive search, those two people could not be located.

"There is no evidence that links the two people observed in the area to the deceased people. Officers would still like to identify who they were to eliminate them from the ongoing investigation," it said.

The B.C. RCMP's major crime unit is handling the investigation into the bodies.

"The priority of major crime investigators will be to conduct a full assessment and gather any and all physical evidence at the scene. Simultaneously, RCMP and the BC Coroners Service will be working collaboratively to establish a positive identification for each of the [deceased] and work diligently to notify the families," Supt. Sanjaya Wijayakoon said in the release.