“BC RCMP Release Name and Photo of Person of Interest in Joel Zimbalatti’s Death”

Accident – death – Obituary News : B.C. RCMP Release Name and Photo of Person of Interest in Sparwood Homicide Case

More than two months after a B.C. mother pleaded publicly for information about her son’s death, B.C. RCMP have finally released the name and photo of a person of interest in the case. Joel Zimbalatti, 21, was found shot to death in a Sparwood trailer on October 11, 2023. The RCMP identified one man who fled the scene as “Slim,” and he has now been identified as Joshua Freeman.

According to Elk Valley Mounties, Freeman was at the trailer when Zimbalatti was shot but managed to escape before the authorities arrived. Another person of interest was taken into custody but later released without charge. The investigation has been ongoing, and recent tips have led to the identification of Freeman.

RCMP released a photo of Freeman on Thursday, stating that all conventional avenues of trying to locate him have been exhausted. He was last seen in the Kimberley area of southeastern B.C., but he is known to have ties to the Okanagan. Staff Sgt. Jason Smart emphasized the importance of speaking with Freeman regarding the investigation, as he is believed to be one of the last people to see Zimbalatti alive.

In a November interview, Zimbalatti’s mother, Toni Zimbalatti, described her son as a funny, charismatic, and quick-witted young man. She mentioned that he had a blind-deaf chihuahua named Eli, whom he loved dearly. Toni revealed that Freeman had been staying with her son periodically, but she never met or saw him. She is unsure how the two knew each other.

The day he died, Joel Zimbalatti was about to cook Thanksgiving dinner for his family, and he was excited to start a new job with friends the following week. Toni fondly remembers her son as a happy guy who loved to pull pranks, make people laugh, and cook. She believes that her son deserves justice, and the family deserves the truth about his death.

RCMP is urging anyone with information on Joshua Freeman’s whereabouts to contact the B.C. RCMP Southeast Major Crime Unit at 1-877-987-8477. The investigation continues, and the police are determined to bring closure to the Zimbalatti family.

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