On Jan. 18, BC RCMP Major Crimes released the photo of Joshua Freeman, who they say was the last person to see Joel Zimbalatti alive.
Zimbalatti was shot on Oct. 11, 2023, in Sparwood, B.C. At about 3:16 p.m. that day, Elk Valley RCMP got a call about a shooting at a trailer in the 6200 block of Lower Elk Valley Road in Sparwood.
The initial investigation determined that, in addition to a male who was arrested at the scene, a second male, who goes by the alias Slim, was also present when the shooting occurred and immediately departed the scene prior to police arrival. Through a media release, on Oct. 25, 2023, numerous tips were received from the public, which helped in identifying Slim as Joshua Freeman and investigators are now looking to speak with Freeman.
Freeman was last seen in the Kimberley, B.C. area on the day after the shooting, but is known to have ties to the Okanagan area of B.C.
If Freeman sees or hears this call for information, RCMP ask him to contact the police of jurisdiction, says S/Sgt. Smart.
Should you encounter Freeman please contact your local police. Should you have information regarding Mr. Freeman please call the BC RCMP Southeast District Major Crime Unit information line at 1-877-987-8477.
