Update: June 26, 2024

BC RCMP Southeast District Major Crime Unit Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
File 24E-12547

Date: 2024-06-26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A man has now been charged in connection with the death of 66-year-old Jo Ann Jackson.

On June 19, 2024, at 4:48 a.m., the Sicamous RCMP responded to a report of an unresponsive female located in a driveway within a mobile home park situated at 1707 Hillier Road in Sicamous, B.C.

When police arrived, paramedics were providing medical assistance to the female, but despite their efforts Jo Ann Jackson was declared deceased at the scene. A male subject was arrested at scene.

The Southeast District Major Crime Unit was engaged and assumed conduct of the investigation and on June 20, 2024, the man was released from police custody on police issued undertaking for manslaughter with several preventative conditions, including to not return to the mobile home park.

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.

Staff Sergeant Kris Clark

• Senior Media Relations Officer, Communication Services
  RCMP E Division HQ / Government of Canada
• kris.clark@rcmp-grc.gc.ca / Tel: 778-290-3961 / Cel: 778-228-7857

Original Post: June 22, 2024

The District of Sicamous is saddened by the death of resident Jo Ann Jackson, 66, whose life was taken on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. This is a tragic loss of life, and our thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family at this time.

There is understandable unrest in the community after learning that the individual arrested for Jackson’s manslaughter was released from custody after only 24 hours of being detained. We have been assured there is an undertaking, a promise made by the accused, to appear in court.

Protective conditions are in place while the Southeast District Major Crime Unit continues its investigation and ensures there is enough evidence for charges to be laid against the accused by the Crown. Protective conditions include the accused not returning to the property at 1707 Hillier Road East, required reporting and safety checks with a probation officer and open communication with the Southeast District Major Crime Unit.

As a result of the investigation, there is increased police presence in the community and 24-hour surveillance of 1707 Hillier Road.

This tragedy appears to be an isolated incident and there is no immediate threat to the community, however, the Southeast District Major Crime Unit reports a potential safety risk due to the accused not being in custody.

The Southeast District Major Crime Unit is seeking information to assist their investigation. Contact the tip line at 1-877-987-8477 if you have video, dash camera or other footage, between 1 and 5:30 a.m. on June 19, 2024.

This is the third homicide to be investigated in our community in less than 12 months. A formal meeting with the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General will be requested to address our community’s concerns regarding this unprecedented violent crime.

The District of Sicamous would like to thank local RCMP and BC Ambulance Service members who responded to the scene on June 19, and all those assisting the Southeast District Major Crime Unit with their investigation.

-30-

VIEW PDF

For additional information, please contact:

Corporate Services, District of Sicamous

P: 250-836-5263 | E: corporate@sicamous.ca

Background Information

• RCMP Media R2024E-12547n