Retired city worker faces multiple murder charges after shootings in Penticton, B.C.
RCMP say John Brittain knew all of his alleged victims, who police refuse to name
A retired city worker is facing multiple murder charges after a shooting spree left four people dead in the city of Penticton, B.C., on Monday.
John Brittain, 68, was charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of second-degree murder on Tuesday.
Handcuffed, he was led through the back door of the provincial courthouse for a brief, first court appearance at 10:20 a.m. PT and was remanded into custody. He didn't respond to reporters' questions as he was escorted from the courthouse.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday morning, Penticton Mayor John Vassilaki said Brittain worked for the city's engineering department for several years until his retirement "due to an illness" in 2016.
Brittain's current employer
The president of Ecora Engineering confirmed Brittain is currently employed by the company, and has worked there as a civil engineer since 2017.
"We're shocked and saddened by the incident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the deceased," said Kelly Sherman, in a statement. "As it's a criminal matter, the RCMP will be investigating, no further comment."
Brittain is led from sheriff's van into the courthouse
Brittain's next court appearance has been set for May 8.
Two women and two men were killed in three different locations in the city during an hour-long shooting spree that began around 10:30 a.m. PT Monday, and ended with Brittain turning himself in at the front desk of the local RCMP detachment.
Mounties said the victims, who were in their 60s and 70s, all knew each other and their alleged killer. Investigators believe the shootings were targeted, but a possible motive hasn't been determined.
On Tuesday, RCMP Supt. Ted De Jager said Mounties won't be releasing the names of the victims or details on how they knew Brittain, as officers don't believe it will further the investigation.
"I can't speak to the actual relationship and, be mindful, this matter is before the courts," De Jager said during a news conference.
CBC News has learned through friends of Rudi Winter that he is one of the victims.
On Monday, police were first called to the area of Lakeview Street and Heales Avenue, a residential neighbourhood blocks from Okanagan Lake, after receiving reports that a man had been shot at 10:30 a.m. PT.
As officers were en route, police received a second call that another person had been shot further south in the city. The public was asked to avoid the downtown area entirely, or stay indoors if they were already there.
De Jager said a man matching the suspect's description turned himself in, unarmed, at the RCMP detachment on Main Street at 11:27 a.m. PT.
Investigators found four bodies in three places. One man was found dead in front of a home on Heales Avenue, while another man and a woman were found dead inside a house in the 2400 block of Cornwall Drive. The second female victim was found nearby.
Mayor Vassilaki said he knew Brittain while they were both working for the city — Vassilaki as a councillor, Brittain in development services with the engineering department.
The mayor said he was "saddened" to learn Brittain is now accused of murder.
"He was a gentleman, he did his job well, he was very in favour of what our community was doing, was always involved in community matters — him and his wife," Vassilaki said.
The mayor shook his head when asked if Brittain was known to have a temper.
"Nothing like that at all. Very gentle man."
Mayor talks about Brittain who he knew as a city engineer
Neighbours shaken
Penticton sits between the southern bank of Okanagan Lake and the northern shore of Skaha Lake, with a population of 30,000 that swells with tourists during its hot, dry summers.
Danny Herron, who lives near the Lakeview Street crime scene, said it was frightening to hear shots fired in his neighbourhood.
"It's an eye-opener for everybody," he said Monday. "When it continued on, I thought, 'What's going on here? Is this guy on the loose? Is he shooting randomly?' You just don't know."
De Jager said RCMP are confident the accused acted alone and that the community isn't in any further danger, but he said the emotional impact will be lasting.
"I recognize these heartbreaking events have a deep impact on the community and will continue to do so for some time," the Mountie said.
Corrections
- Citing information from the RCMP, a previous version of this story stated that John Brittain was 60 years old. In fact, Mounties later said, he is 68.Apr 16, 2019 11:38 AM PT
With files from Joel Ballard and Brady Strachan