Murder investigation after UBCO assault

The security company whose employee died after an attack at the UBCO Kelowna campus Saturday, is calling the incident senseless, and shocking.

Kelowna RCMP confirmed Monday the 24-year-old female security guard, who had been assaulted, succumbed to her injuries and the matter is now being probed as a homicide.

Police reported Saturday they’d responded just before 6 a.m. to a report of an assault that had occurred in one of the buildings on campus. Their initial investigation determined a man working at the university assaulted the victim and he was apprehended under the Mental Health Act.

He remains in hospital and police said he could face murder charges.

“Something like this just sends shockwaves through the organization,” Paladin Security’s President, Chad Kalyk told Kelowna10. “We do understand from the RCMP that it was random, senseless and unprovoked. We have no idea why it happened.

“We have as many questions as answers at this time and that’s why we’re just trying to do everything we can to support the family, and then make sure we offer employee care and support to each one of our team members,” Kalyk said.

RCMP Cpl. Tammy Lobb said officers are working closely with their partners at UBCO regarding the incident.

“Both the victim and the suspect were on campus due to their own employment,” she said. “As to whether or not they knew each other, that would be part of the investigation. This was an isolated incident and public safety is not at risk at this time.”

UBCO said the fatal assault had happened in the University Centre building.

In a statement Monday, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Lesley Cormack said, in part, “…there will be plenty of opportunity to try to understand the circumstances of this tragedy over the coming weeks, but our immediate priority is to support the family and individuals affected.

“All of our security personnel are deeply valued members of our campus community. They work tirelessly every day to keep our students, faculty, and staff safe and to be a welcoming, friendly, and reassuring face when help is needed. “

The university is not identifying the victim at this time to protect her privacy and that of her family.