Double homicide victims identified

Kelowna Mounties have released more details on the double homicide in Rutland earlier this week.

The bodies of 28 year old Karen Smith and her two year old son, Ayden Miller, were discovered in their home on Highway 33 Wednesday afternoon.

Constable Steve Holmes says Smith's mother was the one who found the bodies in the bedroom before calling police.

"There was some concern on the family member's part, as they had not heard from Karen and went over there to see if she was alright."

Mounties are not disclosing the nature of the deaths, but Holmes says it appears the two died shortly before officers arrived.  He tells us, "I cannot confirm exactly how long they'd been there.  I understand that when the call came in, it was not a significant length of time."

27 year old Nicholas Brian Coopper has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder.  Holmes says the accused has an extensive criminal record, although he did not go into any detail. 

Coopper is slated to appear in court on January 8th for a bail hearing.

Denise Wong - Kelowna

Double homicide victims: Karen Smith and her son Ayden Miller