‘A beautiful soul’: Young mother killed in Penticton homicide

Penticton Mounties are investigating a homicide that claimed the life of a young mother over the weekend.

On Saturday, officers responded to a report of a person being shot in an apartment building in the 600 block of Lakeshore Drive.

Upon arrival, they found the victim had already died from what the RCMP calls a “significant gunshot wound.”

According to police, one person was arrested at the time, but has since been released pending further investigation.

The RCMP is not naming the victim at this time, but family and friends have signaled that 21-year-old Alexa Knodel was the woman killed in the shooting.

A GoFundMe created to support Knodel’s family says she “lost her beautiful life to a sudden act of violence” and leaves behind a baby boy.

“She was a beautiful soul and sparked joy in everyone she knew,” the GoFundMe created by Jennifer Hanson reads.

A tribute posted to social media by Springers Gymnastics Adventures says that Knodel was part of the club for over 10 years on the competitive team and in the coaching ranks.

“Alexa was such a kind person and was loved by everyone,” the tribute says. “We will truly miss her.”

Police say Knodel’s death is an isolated event and there is no concern for public safety in relation to the incident.

“This is a tragic event. We would like to offer our condolences to the victim’s friends and family at this time,” noted S/Sgt. Scott Hanry. “We have engaged our victim services team and they are supporting those in need.”

The GoFundMe has raised nearly $6,000 toward a $20,000 goal as of late Monday morning.