Winnipeg, Manitoba – A Winnipeg man is facing murder and assault charges following a deadly attack outside a condo complex early Saturday.
According to Winnipeg Police Service, officers responded around 1:15 a.m. to the 600 block of St. Anne’s Road after receiving reports of a woman being seriously assaulted. When officers arrived, they found two women outside suffering from critical injuries to their upper bodies.
Police said a 46-year-old woman, identified as Nicole Micheline Fortier, was rushed to hospital in critical condition but later died from her injuries. A second victim, a 27-year-old woman, was transported to hospital in unstable condition and later upgraded to stable.
Investigators, with the assistance of the K9 Unit and AIR1, searched the area and located a suspect in the 500 block of St. Anne’s Road. Officers arrested 21-year-old Sonny Besskkaystare, who has been charged with second-degree murder and aggravated assault. He remains in custody.
Police said Fortier and the accused had previously been in a relationship. Investigators added the second victim had no connection to the suspect and was randomly assaulted before police arrived.
The Winnipeg Police Service stated they remain committed to supporting survivors of intimate partner violence and directed residents to available resources, including WPS Victim Services and Manitoba Justice Domestic Violence Support Service.
Authorities urged anyone in immediate danger to call 911.
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