UPDATE: Murder charge laid after body found in lake

UPDATE: Aug. 2, 2022

An investigation into a body found in Okanagan Lake in West Kelowna has now led to a murder charge being laid.

Kelowna resident Wyne Zablan, 25, has been charged with first degree murder and will remain in custody until his next court appearance on Aug. 29.

Police were called to the discovery of a body in the water at the west end of the Bennett Bridge on Friday, July 29 shortly after 1:00 p.m.

“Police have now positively identified the victim and will not be releasing his name pending notification of his next of kin,” said Inspector Brent Novakoski, Southeast District Senior Investigating Officer of the BC RCMP Major Crime Section. “It is evident that Mr. Zablan and the victim knew each other and we feel that there is no risk to the public.”

Anyone with information on this incident, who have not spoken with police, are asked to call the SED MCU information line at 1-877-987-8477.

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Police investigate after body found in lake
Jul 30, 2022 | 11:35 AM

The RCMP’s Southeast District Major Crime Unit is investigating after a body was found in West Kelowna.

On Friday (July 29) at 1:16 p.m., RCMP received a report of a body in the water at the west end of the Bennett Bridge near Shelter Bay Marina.

Officers attended and confirmed a male was dead in the shallow water.

“The SED MCU has taken over the investigation and together with Kelowna Regional Detachment and the BC Coroners Service is working to determine the cause of death and any potential criminality in this case,” a news release from BC RCMP stated.

Police are asking the public’s assistance in identifying the deceased. The male can be described as:

• Asian ethnicity
• 20-40-years old
• Average height
• Slim build
• The male was wearing a black collared shirt and black pants.

Police are requesting anyone who might have been in the area that noted a male matching this description on July 29 to contact the Southeast District Major Crime Unit at 1-877-987-8477.