Some neighbours describe the man who was shot and killed at his parents’ West Kelowna home as friendly.
But now, more than a week after his death, they’re learning he was a convicted drug dealer with a shady past.
His name was Joel Pennell. He was 27 years old and lived what RCMP described as a high-risk lifestyle.
He was gunned down Sept. 1 as he pulled into his parents’ laneway on McTaggart Road.
Since his death, the media has dug up his past — reporting that Pennell was sentenced to two years in jail for drugs and weapons charges in Prince George four years ago, after he was caught selling cocaine, meth, ecstasy and marijuana. He also had a sawed-off shotgun.
But what hasn’t been reported is what happened to Pennell in the industrial area off Sexsmith Road in Kelowna last March.
That’s when RCMP cordoned off the area, looking for evidence after an SUV was shot up in a drive-by shooting.
The man driving that SUV took himself to hospital, where he was treated for a gunshot wound to the leg.
Sources tell Global Okanagan that man was Joel Pennell.
Shortly after the drive-by shooting, Pennell was the target of two more attacks.
He was staying at a West Kelowna home which was set on fire twice – once in March, shortly after the drive-by shooting and again in April.
RCMP say the fires and drive-by shooting remain under investigation.
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