The 2024 BC Homicide Victim List is available here

Police were called to a mobile home park along Hillier Road on June 19th at approximately 5 a.m.

On arrival police located Jo Ann Jackson, 66, unresponsive. She was declared deceased at the scene.

Investigators took a man into custody, however, he was later released from custody, under conditions, including not returning to the property.

“Jackson’s death is believed to be an isolated incident. However, investigators believe there could be a potential public safety risk,” noted an RCMP, “Therefore, police will also be implementing additional measures within our authority in an effort to mitigate public safety concerns.”

Update: On June 24, 2024, a charge of second-degree murder was approved by the BC Prosecution Service and 37-year-old Scott Keith McDonald of Sicamous, BC was arrested without incident for the homicide of Jo Ann Jackson.

The securing of charge approval was the culmination of the tireless efforts involving investigators from the Southeast District Major Crime Unit, BC RCMP Forensic Identification Services, Support Services, the Sicamous RCMP and Salmon Arm RCMP said Southeast District Senior Investigating Officer, Inspector Brent Novakoski.

McDonald has been detained in provincial court and will be held in custody pending an application for a bail hearing in supreme court. His next court appearance is scheduled in provincial court in Salmon Arm on July 2, 2024.

Update August 20th 2026: According to CBC, evidence presented in court, Jackson went to McDonald’s home around 3:15 a.m. to ask him to lower his music. Security footage allegedly shows McDonald attacking her, repeatedly striking her and using a hose to force water into her mouth. A neighbour also testified that he watched the assault from his home.

A forensic pathologist told the court that Jackson died from a combination of serious injuries, including blunt-force trauma, pressure to her neck, and the effects of being forced to inhale or ingest water.

McDonald acknowledges that he caused Jackson’s death but is arguing that he should not be held criminally responsible because of a mental disorder or because he was too intoxicated to form the required intent for murder. The trial is being heard by a judge without a jury and is expected to last about three weeks.