Growing speculation about RCMP investigation at farm in BC Interior

SALMON ARM (NEWS 1130) – Mounties are bringing in forensic specialists to help search a farm near Salmon Arm where human remains have been found.

Over the past two years, five women have gone missing in the same area of the North Okanagan  — the latest just last month.

At this point, RCMP say there is nothing to link any of the missing women to the remains, however, some people are jumping to that conclusion.

NEWS 1130 has spoken to area leaders who have expressed frustration over people outside the region making unfounded connections.

For the sake of the grieving families of the missing women, RCMP Corporal Dan Moskaluk is warning against speculation.

“We’re aware of the speculations… around the discovery of the remains potentially being linked to a number of missing persons investigations. Until the remains have been positively identified, it’s too early to say whether the discovery is linked to any ongoing missing persons investigations. Therefore, we do ask everyone to [be cautious] around speculation,” he tells NEWS 1130.

Moskaluk says the human remains have not been identified. There is also no indication whether they belong to one or more persons.

BC Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says he’s been briefed on the situation but did not add any more details.

“There’s a police investigation underway. I can’t comment on the nature of the case at this particular time [but] what I can tell you is my senior ministry officials are in contact with the RCMP. They’re saying they also have the resources that they need and the investigation is ongoing.”

The farm police are searching is about 10 hectares with several buildings on the property. Investigators expect to be on the farm for at least two weeks.

Earlier this month, Mounties issue a warning to the public, specifically to sex workers, about an investigation into a report a man threatened a woman with a gun a few kilometres away from the farm.

Curtis Sagmoen, 36, was charged October 17 with disguising his face with intent to commit an offence, intentionally discharging a firearm while reckless, uttering threats, careless use or storage of a firearm, pointing a firearm, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose and possession of a controlled substance.

He is scheduled to return to court Thursday.

There are some similarities between this case and the one that lead to the arrest and conviction of serial killer Robert Pickton, especially when you look at how investigators are sifting through the property looking for evidence. But Moskaluk says speculation is dangerous.

“It’s human nature to go to that. But we have to realize that this is a very serious incident where we found remains. We’re on a rural property and we have to take this step by step… Keep in mind that the first task at hand is where we’re handling human remains that have to be dealt with properly so that we can collect as much evidence as possible,” he tells us.

“Each case is unique and we’re dealing with this one in the manner that will do best by the victims and to ensure that we collect the proper amount of evidence,” adds Moskaluk.