UPDATE: Man now facing murder charge in woman’s death

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Bluesky
• Share on X
• Copy Link

BC RCMP, in consultation with the BC Prosecution Service, liaised with the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service to lay the official charge in Alberta courts, as police alleged the offence was carried out in Alberta.

Missing For Four Days

Missing boater found deceased in Mara Lake

7h ago

Hole in One

Charity golf tournament raised $47K for local groups

11h ago

Election 2026

Teresa Durning seeking reelection with Stronger Vernon campaign

11h ago

“Although a charge has now been laid in relation to this complex, inter-provincial criminal investigation, the investigation is still very much active and ongoing at this time, we continue to share Toner’s photo in an effort to advance the investigation,” Acting Officer-In-Charge Supt. Sanjaya Wijayakoon of the BC RCMP Major Crime Section, said.

“We renew our previous public plea for information, and ask that anyone who may have had contact with Philip Toner between May 4, 2021 and May 11, 2021, in either British Columbia or Alberta, to come forward immediately. Further more, we ask anyone who may have provided or offered a ride to anyone hitch-hiking between Columbia Valley B.C. and Lake Country B.C. to come forward as well. You may have information that is of value to the investigation,” Wijayakoon stated.

Brenda Ware was found dead May 6 in Kootenay National Park. (Submitted photo/RCMP)

Police say Ware and Toner knew each other, but the nature of their relationship has not been released.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Southeast District Major Crime Unit Information Line at 1-877-987-8477.

==

UPDATE: RCMP locate person of interest in suspicious death investigation in Okanagan (May 11)

A man considered a person of interest in a suspicious death investigation near Radium B.C. has been located in Lake Country.

The BC RCMP Southeast District Major Crime Unit confirms it is no longer seeking the public’s assistance to locate Philip Toner.

“The RCMP wishes to thank the media and the general public for their assistance and tip information. Philip Toner, previously identified as a person of interest and an individual police were looking to speak with, was located earlier this morning by the Lake Country RCMP,” Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey stated.

“Major crime investigators continue to pursue all avenues of investigation into the suspicious death of Brenda Ware,” states Acting Officer-In-Charge (A/OIC) Supt. Sanjaya Wijayakoon of the BC RCMP Major Crime Section. “There continues to be no known threat to public safety at this time.”

Ware’s body was located on May 6, 54 kilometres northeast of Radium, B.C. along Highway 93 in Kootenay National Park.

“Brenda Ware and Toner were known to each other, however the nature of that relationship will not be released at this time. Investigators are interested in speaking with Philip Toner, 41, as soon as possible,” Wijayakoon stated.

Anyone with Ms. Wares’ death, or can help investigators in establishing the timeline leading up to her death, is asked to contact the SED Major Crime Unit Information Line at 1-877-987-8477.

==

May 10: RCMP have person of interest in suspicious death investigation

The RCMP Southeast District Major Crime Unit is seeking public assistance in locating Philip Toner, who is a person of interest in the suspicious death investigation of Brenda Ware.

Ware’s body was located on May 6, 54 kilometres northeast of Radium, B.C. along Highway 93 in Kootenay National Park.

“Brenda Ware and Toner were known to each other, however the nature of that relationship will not be released at this time. Investigators are interested in speaking with Philip Toner, 41, as soon as possible,” stated Acting Officer-In-Charge (A/OIC) Supt. Sanjaya Wijayakoon of the BC RCMP Major Crime Section.

Toner’s current whereabouts are unknown, however he has ties to both British Columbia and Alberta.

Toner is described as:

• Caucasian male

• Brown hair

• Bald

• 5’11”

• 190 lbs

“If Philip hears, or sees this call for information, we ask him to contact the police of jurisdiction,” said Wijayakoon.

Should you encounter Toner, do not approach him and immediately call 9-1-1.