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3 men charged in killing near Hope, B.C. appear in Kelowna court

Click to play video: 'Kelowna connection to Hope murder'
Kelowna connection to Hope murder
Kelowna connection to Hope murder – Jan 15, 2018

Three men accused of killing an Alberta man near Hope, B.C., have been charged with first-degree murder.

On April 20, 2017, police found the body of 20-year-old Michael Bonin on a rural forest service road north of Hope.

After a nine month investigation, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) arrested 26-six-year-old Ryan Watt, 20-year-old Joshua Fleurant and 27-year-old Jared Jorgenson.

Fleurant is also accused of burning Bonin’s vehicle, a black 1992 Honda Accord.

The men’s arrest involved a comprehensive plan across B.C. over the weekend, according to police.

“IHIT investigators worked tirelessly to advance this investigation and the complexity was such that a successful resolution would not have been possible without the support of our many partners,” Cpl. Frank Jang of IHIT said in a statement. “We are hopeful that this can now help the family of Mr. Bonin begin their journey towards the healing process.”

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The three men made their first court appearance in Kelowna’s provincial court on Monday.

Investigators believe the killing was not a random incident.

Bonin was from Rycroft, AB.

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