RCMP confirm Vernon deaths as homicide-suicide

By Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Published: March 05, 2013 12:00 PM

RCMP have confirmed two suspicious deaths in a Vernon area home Monday as a homicide and suicide. The bodies of Sheena Neifer, 29, and Gregory Neifer, 30, were discovered after RCMP responded to a report of shots fired at a home in the 5800 block of Hartnell Road Monday at 1:40 a.m. “The pair died as a result of a homicide and suicide,” said Vernon RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk Tuesday. “The investigation has determined that the two died as a result of gunshot wounds.” Molendyk said Gregory Neifer killed his wife, then committed suicide. A gun was recovered at the scene, though Molendyk would not disclose its make. The call to police Monday morning came from inside the home. When officers first arrived on the scene, they found the Neifers deceased, and one of the first responding officers assisted two children and an adult relative out of the home to a vehicle. None of those three were harmed. The children are under the age of 10 and are believed to now be in the company of family members. The other adult in the home is a mother of one of the victims. “The RCMP wants to assure the public that at no time was there any danger to anyone else in the neighboring area,” said Molendyk, who also confirmed a marijuana grow-operation was found inside the home. Molendyk said the couple was not known to police, and did not have any idea what led to the gunshots. “As you can appreciate, our investigators are still talking with family members and following up on this matter to determine exactly what happened,” said Molendyk. The investigating officers are asking anyone who might have heard shots being fired on Hartnell Road late Sunday night or early Monday morning to please call the Vernon RCMP office at 250-545-7171.