Penticton student killed at year-end school grad party

The Penticton RCMP responded to a stabbing incident that was reported by BC Ambulance Service early Friday morning at around 2:00 a.m. June 17th. The stabbing occurred in the rural Carmie Rd area of Penticton, at a location where over 100 local high school students had gathered for a year-end grad party.

The victim, a 17 year-old boy from Penticton was transported to the Penticton Regional Hospital where he was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival. Scene investigators are continuing their examination today of the forestry area where the incident occurred. Police are working on the priority task of establishing how many individuals were directly involved. The teenager’s death is being classified as a homicide, however investigators have not confirmed the cause of death. An autopsy is scheduled to take place in the coming days in Penticton.

RCMP investigators currently have a 19-year-old male in custody at this time, however charges have not been laid.

The investigation is being led by the RCMP South East District Major Crime Unit with assistance from the Penticton RCMP Regional General Investigation Section.

The incident took place at a non-sanctioned high school grad party known as "Sunset". Historically, a high number local grad students have attended a grad year kick off party referred to as “Sunrise” at the start of their high school grad year and end the year with the “Sunset” party.

“We suggest that parents and guardians sit down with their teens to confirm wether or not they were at the party and to contact us with any information that may assist with the investigation,” stated Cpl. Dan Moskaluk.