COMMUNITY
COVER
A
Look Back at 2004
BIOGRAPHY
Simon
Baker Plays Native
BUSINESS
Twassassen
Signs $47 Million Deal with Vancouver Port Authority
Deh Cho Negotiate Framework Agreement for Pipeline Panel
COMMUNITY
Trust Fund Established for Shooting Victims
CULTURE
Mohawk
Woman Invites Unity Riders From South Dakota
Victory
Through Honour
Métis
Fighting over Implementation of Right To Harvest
HUMOUR
Bee
in the Bonnet: Notice:
Government Cancels Christmas
Bee
in the Bonnet: So, What's New Year With You?
TRADITION
Recipes
for the Holidays
By Staff Writers
The Penticton Indian Band has set up a trust fund to help the families of three men shot to death on the band's reserve on October 30, 2004.
Killed in the shootings were Quincy Paul, 29, a member of the Penticton band; Robin Baptiste, 24, a member of the Osoyoos band living in Penticton; and Damien Endry, 20, who lived in Oliver. Endry was a Caucasian whose stepfather is a member of the Osoyoos Indian band.
All three of the men killed left children behind.
Billy Gabriel, 18, was shot in the arm and his 31-year-old brother Tommy Lee, was shot in the face in the incident as well.
The teenager reportedly feigned death by falling into a nearby creek during the spray of bullets, holding his breath underwater. Billy floated underwater to safety.
Tommy Lee was flown to Kelowna hospital from Penticton where he underwent a six-hour emergency surgery to remove bullet fragments from his face.
The shooting incident took place in the afternoon on Green Mountain road at a popular party spot.
Dustin Paul, a 24-year-old member of the Penticton band, was taken into
police custody after he left the Penticton hospital; after being treated
for a knife wound to the throat.
Paul is charged with three counts of first-degree murder and two counts
of attempted murder.
Speculation regarding the motives of the shooting includes a two-week old bar fight between Dustin and Tommy Lee; a drug turf war, and rivalry between the two bands.
Dustin Paul is said to have attempted suicide in the after math of the shooting by slitting his own throat with a knife.
Penticton Chief Stewart Phillip declined to comment on the tragedy. In deference to the families involved, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, the organization representative of the interior bands, postponed their annual general assembly for 30 days.
Anyone wishing to make a contribution to the families can send their
donations directly to the Penticton Indian Band Administration Office
or a deposit can be made at any Royal Bank to:
Penticton Indian Band
"Victim's Family Relief Fund"
Account # 101445-5
Transit# 4160