Kamloops RCMP say a fatal early-morning shooting on Columbia Street remains under active investigation, marking the city’s third homicide case of 2026 as police continue probing what they believe was a targeted attack.

Mounties were called to the 200-block of Columbia Street between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Tuesday May 5 following reports of gunfire. In a release, police confirmed one person died and that evidence gathered so far suggests the homicide was not random.

“Evidence currently available to investigators is indicative of a targeted incident,” RCMP stated.

Although Mounties confirmed raids at homes on McQueen Drive and Surrey Avenue about a week after the killing were connected to the homicide, few additional details have been released as officers piece together the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Investigators are asking anyone who was in the area during the early morning hours, or who may have surveillance or dashcam footage, to contact Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000.

The death follows two other homicide investigations in Kamloops this year.

In January, police launched a homicide probe after Muhammad “Ash” Zafar was found dead inside a West End residence on Dalgleish Drive. Investigators said that case appeared isolated, with no broader public safety risk identified at the time, but later recanted that statement.

Then in March, Emmanuel “Manny” Brooks died after a targeted downtown shooting near Seymour Street, another case that raised concerns about crime in the city’s core.

With three homicide investigations underway in just over four months, Kamloops has seen a troubling start to the year, as police continue efforts to address targeted incidents across the community.