It’s been nearly five years and one month since a pregnant Métis woman was shot multiple times in Kelowna – and the RCMP has not publicly identified a suspect.
On October 11, 2017, the body of 23-year-old Russia Nicholson was found in an orchard near Cooper Road, a short walk from a nearby sidewalk. At the time, the RCMP immediately called the death suspicious.
Meanwhile, Nicholson’s white 2010 Ford Fusion was recovered from the crash road with significant damage to its front bumper and driver’s side rear passenger window.
Investigators contacted Media and Community Members are asking for any information about the activities of Nicholson’s body between 1 a.m. and 9 a.m. on the day the body was found, or any information witnesses may have seen in the 1300 block of Collison Road.
At the time, HOPE Outreach’s Angie Lohr, speaking of women at risk of violence, said that through her work, she had heard a lot about the death and its apparent violent nature.
“People were shaken their souls in a terrible way by this situation. With this and all the fentanyl deaths, everyone knows everyone who died, and their stories,” Lorre said, adding People don’t know Nicholson lives on the street, but she’s familiar to those who do.
In 2020, the “Capital” interviewed Nicholson’s sister Naomi Who said the family met with police several times over the years. She explained that investigators did not say the case was closed, but acknowledged they had difficulty finding new leads.
“And, I really don’t know what to do. I just don’t feel like my sister’s death and murder got the recognition, effort and pursuit it deserves.”
Naomi admitted to having a history of drug use in Russia, but she remained sober for most of the year.
In January, a coroner’s report revealed that Nicholson had been deliberately shot multiple times in the head. The man who shot Nicholson then fled the scene, the report said.
The RCMP told Capital News the case is still ongoing and unresolved, however, anyone with any information can call the Kelowna Detachment or Crime Stoppers.
@Jen_zee
[email protected]
like us Facebook and follow us Twitter and subscribe to our daily and subscribe to our daily communication.
Kelownamod RCMP