More details on the murder of a Naramata woman have been released by the BC RCMP Monday afternoon.
A news release confirms that recent charges approved for three men from the Lower Mainland are in direct connection to the death of Kathleen Richardson who was found dead in her home in June 2021.
At the time, police speculated that her death was related to the double homicide of Kamloops brothers Erick and Carlo Fryer the month prior, also in the Naramata area.
In June of 2021, the Joint Force Operation (JFO), composed of officers from the RCMP’s Southeast District Major Crime Unit and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit from Southeast District, was established to conduct the investigation into Kathleen’s homicide.
The JFO was able to determine that the trio of homicides were, in fact, related.
At the time, Supt. Sanjaya Wijayakoon of the BC RCMP Major Crime Section said the homicides were believed to be connected to gang and drug activities in the South Okanagan, Northern BC and the Lower Mainland.
On April 14, 2023, Jalen Falk, 23, and 21-year-old Shahram Tokhy were arrested and taken into custody.
Tokhy was charged with conspiracy to commit murder from a May 25, 2021 targeted shooting in Prince George that police believe may be connected to the trio of homicides in Naramata. Three hours after the shooting, police responded to a vehicle rollover on HIghway 97 near Quesnel. Police found firearms in the vehicle and forensically linked them to the Prince George shooting.
Falk was charged with the first-degree murder of Richardson
Ekene Anigbo, 23, was also charged with the murder of Richardson. The RCMP clarified that Anigbo is currently in federal custody on unrelated firearms charges.
All three men, who are from Vancouver and Coquitlam, are scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, April 18.
The RCMP said “several” other people were identified and arrested as co-conspirators in these homicides and attempted murder, but all have been released without charges at this time.
"Kathy’s murder has been devastating for her family, friends and the entire community of Naramata," said Supt. Brian Hunter, Penticton RCMP, in a statement.
"There have be so many unanswered questions and moments of angst over the past two years. The Penticton RCMP has made these cases one of our top priorities and have dedicated many resources into putting the pieces together."
Hunter added: "I hope that the news of these arrests can start the healing process and bring some closure to everyone impacted by these tragedies."
