Artist slain on small B.C. island

RCMP say a 60-year-old artist found dead on B.C.'s Cortes Island, at the northern end of Georgia Strait, was the victim of a homicide.

Investigators say an autopsy was conducted Tuesday on the body of Stefano Savioli.

Mounties are not saying how the visual artist died and no arrests have been made.

The victim was found last Friday in his home on Cortes Island, one of B.C.'s Gulf Islands, east of Campbell River.

Savioli's death has left many on the tiny island wondering who could have taken his life.

Cortes Island resident Jasmine Lawrence said he was a big part of the community.

"He just has such a big personality. You know, he dresses colourfully, he's animated … he's Italian so he's like hugs and kisses, just warm and open and kind," she said.

"The whole island is just in utter shock and devastation."

Lawrence said Savioli was also incredibly generous.

"He's not a poor man and he would make anonymous donations to people in the community and say, you know, 'This person needs to get their teeth fixed, here's an envelope of money. Don't tell them who it's from, just go tell them to get their dental work done.' He's just a beautiful, beautiful person."

A team of officers remains on the 25-kilometre-long island but police say no further details of the investigation can be released.