West Kelowna – RCMP are continuing to investigate the death, now confirmed a homicide, of a woman found inside a suspicious house fire on November 4, 2015.

At 1:47 am, West Kelowna police and Fire Department responded to a house fire on Boucherie Road where the body of a deceased woman was located inside.

“As a result of the on-going investigation, along with the results of the autopsy conducted on the deceased’s body,” says Sgt. Craig Andirchuk the NCO/ic of the West Kelowna RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS), “police are confirming the death of 37-year-old Hazel Delgado Budiongan, as a homicide. In order to maintain the integrity of the criminal investigation, the cause of death will not be released publicly,” adds Sgt. Andrichuk.

“Investigators are confident that the suspect and victim were known to each other,” said Sgt. Andrichuk. “The RCMP strongly believe this to have been an isolated incident.”

The West Kelowna RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) will continue to work in conjunction with the BC Coroner’s Service to further investigate Hazel’s death.

RCMP are asking anyone with information to contact Sgt. Craig Andrichuk of the West Kelowna RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) at 250-768-2880. If you wish to remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.