Why would a well-regarded engineer become the suspect in a quadruple murder? That's the question on the minds of many people in Penticton today after retired city engineer John Brittain was charged with one count of second-degree murder and three counts of first-degree murder in connection with Monday's shooting spree.
Brittain made a brief court appearance this morning on the four murder counts.
"We can also confirm there are two male victims and two female victims," said Southeast District RCMP Superintendent Ted De Jager, "in their sixties and seventies."
The shooting began at around 10:30 a.m. near the corner of Heales Avenue and Lakeview Street, near the home of Donny Herron who was taking his son to daycare as it unfolded. "I saw my neighbour who was out gardening at the time and heard the shots." Herron said it was unsettling. "And not knowing if he was caught yet or what was going on."
Just as the police were attending to the first shooting, there was a call to Cornwall Drive, where three more people were shot and killed in two separate residences.
Shortly after the police issued a public notice for people to take shelter inside, Brittain turned himself in at the police detachment. The police say the victims and the suspect knew each other, but they are offering no theories about a motive.
Penticton Mayor John Vassilaki, said he got to know Brittain more after he left his engineering job at the city. He said he would often see him at community events. When asked if he ever saw anything about Brittain that suggested any violent tendencies he replied "Absolutely not. I've never known him to raise his voice or be mean to anyone or anything like that. He was a gentle person that wouldn't hurt a fly."
The RCMP would not say what Brittain's relationship to the victims was, and they are not confirming the identities of the victims at the families request.
Brittain was remanded in custody until his next appearance Wednesday, May 8.
