Vernon RCMP are investigating the city’s first homicide of the year.

Gord Molendyk of the Vernon RCMP says members responded to a report of shots being fired just before 10:30 p.m. Friday at a residence in the 5300 block of McIntosh Road.

“When members arrived at the scene they discovered a body of a man lying at the end of the driveway. They were able to determine immediately the person was deceased,” says Molendyk.

He says they can confirm the deceased man is known to them.

“He is in his mid 20s and the police are sure that this death was not a random act. His name is not being released at this time while next of kin are notified. An autopsy is expected sometime early next week.”

Molendyk says several witness have been interviewed and the police are asking anyone with any information about this shooting to call them at 545-7171 or Call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222 tips (8477).

More information is expected to be released Monday.

Link: Google map approximate location of the shooting