A 27-year-old Oliver man has been charged with the first-degree murder of a Belgian tourist whose body was found recently near Boston Bar.

Sean McKenzie has been charged with murdering 28-year-old Amelie Sakkalis.

On Aug. 22 the RCMP was called to an area north of Boston Bar near Highway 1 where they found the body of Sakkalis, a Belgian national who was travelling in Canada. The death was deemed a homicide.

RCMP collected significant evidence that yielded the criminal charge against McKenzie, the primary suspect.

McKenzie was arrested on Sept. 14 and will appear before a judge in provincial court on Sept. 19.

During a press conference, Cpl. Frank Jang said McKenzie frequently travels through the province for work. He also noted both he and the victim had recently met.

Jang said McKenzie is not known to police and does not have a criminal record.

Police are encouraging anyone with information about this case to call 1-877-551-4448 or email [email protected].

Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).