7.33°C Vancouver

Oct 5, 2020 7:29 PM -

Penticton, B.C., man accused in 4 deaths to plead guilty: defence

Share On

The lawyer for a man accused in a shooting that left four people dead in Penticton, B.C., says his client plans to plead guilty next week.

John Brittain was charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of second-degree murder after the shooting in April last year.

Rudi Winter, Barry and Susan Wonch and Darlene Knippelberg were all killed.

Defence lawyer Paul McMurray told a B.C. Supreme Court judge hearing the case in Kelowna that he's expecting Brittain to plead guilty to all four indictments in court on Oct. 14.

Brittain was a former city employee whom Penticton Mayor John Vassilaki described after the shooting as a gentleman who did his job well.

Police said shortly after the shooting that the victims were in their 60s and 70s and a motive hadn't been determined.

Latest news

ottawa-to-announce-next-round-of-major-national-interest-projects-on-thursday-carney-says
CanadaNov 10, 2025

Ottawa to announce next round of major national interest projects on Thursday, Carney says

Prime Minister Mark Carney says the federal government will unveil the next group of projects under review by the Major Projects Office later this week. Speaking to reporters in Fredericton on Tuesday, Carney said the announcement will be made Thursday, marking the second round of projects being evaluated for potential national interest designation. The first batch of five projects was announced two months ago, prompting criticism from the Conservative opposition, who argued that many of the selected developments were already progressing and did not require special federal attention. None of t
alberta-eyes-120-km-h-speed-limit-on-divided-highways-as-part-of-review
AlbertaNov 10, 2025

Alberta eyes 120 km/h speed limit on divided highways as part of review

The Alberta government is exploring the possibility of increasing the speed limit to 120 kilometres per hour on divided highways across the province. The proposal would affect routes currently capped at 110 km/h, including the major corridor linking Calgary and Edmonton. Premier Danielle Smith said the province’s divided highways were designed to accommodate higher speeds and noted that many motorists already drive above the current limit. She added that public support will help determine whether the higher limit is introduced. An online survey is now open to gather feedback from Albertans,
AlbertaNov 10, 2025

Alberta reports first flu-related death of season as health officials urge vaccination

Alberta has recorded its first influenza-related death of the 2025–26 season, according to new data from the province’s respiratory virus dashboard. Officials say the individual was in their 60s. The report marks an early fatality in what public health experts warn could be another challenging flu season. Last year, Alberta experienced one of its deadliest flu periods in decades, with 237 deaths recorded during the 2024–25 season. Provincial data shows a concerning upward trend in both deaths and hospitalizations linked to influenza. There were 171 deaths in 2023–24, 123 in 2022–23,
canada-loses-measles-free-status-after-year-long-outbreak
CanadaNov 10, 2025

Canada loses measles-free status after year-long outbreak

Canada has officially lost its measles elimination status after nearly 30 years, following a prolonged outbreak that persisted for more than a year. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) confirmed the decision Monday, noting the change also affects the broader Americas region. Health officials had warned last month that Canada was at risk of losing its status. More than 5,000 measles cases have been reported across nine provinces and one northern territory since last year, marking one of the most significant outbreaks in recent history. “This represents a setback, but it is also revers
IndiaNov 10, 2025

Explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort kills 11, injures 24

A powerful explosion near the Red Fort Metro Station in central Delhi has left 11 people dead and at least 24 injured, according to local authorities. The cause of the blast remains under investigation, and a high alert has been declared across Delhi, Mumbai, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Delhi Fire Department officials said the explosion occurred inside a parked car near the Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening. The impact caused several nearby vehicles to catch fire, resulting in extensive damage. Eyewitnesses reported seeing debris scattered across the road and hearing multiple smaller bla

Related News