Police searching for homicide suspect in northern B.C., RCMP says

Residents of a small northern B.C. community can expect to see an increased police presence this week as officers investigate a homicide, the RCMP say.

The force's North District Major Crime Unitsaida warrant has been issued for the arrest of Drake MatthewKerr after a death in Mackenzie, B.C., about 150 kilometres north of Prince George.

In a news statement, RCMP North District Cpl. Madonna Saunderson said gunshots were reported Sunday neara home in the100-block of Centennial Drive, where a man's body was later found by officers.

The B.C. Prosecution Service approved a charge of second-degree murder against Kerr on Tuesday, Saunderson said.

In 2022, Kerr was accused of possessing a firearm without a licence or registration, uttering threats, pointing a firearm and careless use of a firearm, court documents show.

He is scheduled to appear at a court hearing related to these allegationson Oct. 17.

According to Saunderson, the major crimes unit is investigating the death alongside MackenzieRCMPand the B.C. Coroners Service.

Police believe there is no risk to the publicand say the death appears to be an isolated incident.

They askanyone who might haveinformation or CCTV footagefrom the area around the home, or anyone who knows where Kerr might be,to contact Mackenzie RCMP at250-997-3288.