Nearly three years after the remains of two people were found near a park in British Columbia’s Okanagan region, three individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with their deaths.
Police confirmed this week that charges have been approved against the three suspects. The victims, Douglas Barker and Alannah Brown, were both 30 years old and had been last seen alive on September 14, 2022, in Penticton. Their bodies were discovered the following day near Kickininee Provincial Park by local firefighters.
Following a lengthy investigation, the BC Prosecution Service has laid serious charges. One of the accused, Jilane King, faces a charge of first-degree murder in connection with the death of Douglas Barker. In addition, King has been charged as an accessory after the fact in the deaths of both Barker and Brown.
Another suspect, Simon Bourbonnais, has been charged with manslaughter in the death of Alannah Brown. He also faces charges of unlawful confinement related to Brown, along with accusations of committing indignity to human remains and being an accessory after the fact in both killings.
The third individual, Tyler Stuart, has been charged as an accessory after the fact and with committing indignity to human remains for both victims.
The case had remained unsolved for years, prompting concern and grief in the local community. Police say the arrests are the result of persistent efforts by officers, forensic teams, and investigators who have been following leads since 2022.
According to authorities, the remains of the victims were found in a remote area just outside Summerland, not far from where they were last seen. That discovery led to a detailed and careful investigation involving multiple units within the RCMP.
The RCMP has stated that although charges have now been filed, the investigation is still active. Supt. Sanjay Wijayakoon emphasized the importance of public help in solving the case. He urged anyone who may have information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward and speak with investigators.
No motive has yet been made public. It remains unclear how the suspects were connected to each other or to the victims. Officials have not shared further details due to the ongoing nature of the legal proceedings.
Friends and family of the victims have been following the case closely since the bodies were found. Barker and Brown, both local residents of Penticton, were known to be close friends. Their disappearance and the discovery of their remains deeply affected the community.
RCMP say that the charges mark a significant step forward in delivering justice, but they stress that more information is needed to fully understand what happened. The police are continuing to review evidence and conduct interviews.
Anyone with additional knowledge related to the case is being encouraged to call local authorities or provide tips anonymously.
