4 found dead in Prince Rupert home, RCMP launch homicide investigation

RCMP have launched a homicide investigation after four people were found dead in a Prince Rupert, B.C., home Tuesday night.

Police say the discovery was made in a suburban neighbourhood in the 100 block of Silverside Drive — a newer area on the east side of the North Coast city, that is home to about 12,000 people — at around 9 p.m. PT on June 13.

Const. Brody Hemrich says numerous personnel are still at the scene, but investigators do not believe there are any outstanding suspects or risk to the public.

When CBC News visited the property Wednesday afternoon, the yard and residence were behind police tape, as were two vehicles parked in the driveway and one on the street.

The home is less than one kilometre away from an elementary and high school.

The victims' names are not being released.

'A horrific tragedy for our entire community'

Prince Rupert councillor and acting mayor Nick Adey read a statement to CBC News offering condolences to friends and family of the victims on behalf of mayor and council.

"This is a horrific tragedy for our entire community," he said. 

Adey directed anyone in need of support to the RCMP's victim service's department at 250-627-7779.

He said the incident was particularly difficult to process so soon after a November 2022 murder-suicide that took place at a local mall.

"It hits home really hard ... you realize you are part of that world in which things of this nature can happen. It really is very tragic."

MLA Jennifer Rice released a statement saying her "heart breaks" for the people impacted by "this terrible tragedy."

"We have been confronted with tragedy before and it's important to recall how capable and resilient we were in holding each other up during those tough times. We can and must do it again now."

Hemrich said he wants to assure the community that police are doing everything they can in their investigation.

"We're working hard to make sure that this community is safe," he said