Woman charged with first-degree murder in Edmonton death of Winter Star Dion

A 23-year-old woman has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of another 23-year-old woman who was found in west Edmonton early Wednesday morning.

At around 5 a.m. on Oct. 11, police officers responded to a weapons complaint at an apartment building near 156th Street and 100th Avenue. They found a woman with serious, life-threatening injuries.

EMS tried to save her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Family identified her as Winter Star Dion, the mother of a seven-year-old girl. An autopsy confirmed her identity and determined she died from gunshot wounds and her death is a homicide.

“She was a good girl,” Belinda Dion, the victim’s mother, said. “She was only 23 and she had a whole life ahead of her and now she’s gone.

“She had a heart of gold.”

1:43 Woman killed inside apartment building in west Edmonton

Edmonton police said Thursday that Keyannah Rose Redbear, also 23, was charged with first-degree murder.

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Detectives believe Redbear and Dion knew each other.

Court documents show Redbear has a lengthy criminal history.

1:15 Vigil for 23-year-old woman killed in west Edmonton apartment

At a candlelight vigil Thursday night, Dion was remembered as a young woman who was generous and caring.

“She was good to everybody,” said Camilla Lynn Stoney, Dion’s aunt. “All the kids, her daughter. Her daughter is just like her too. All so close.

“She’s going to be missed so much by the family.”

Camilla said Dion always had friends over and was like a mother to her siblings.

“It’s just so heartbreaking,” she said. “When is it going to stop?

“We need some healing. We need some prayers… We all need to come together to unite to make a change,” Camilla said.

Dion’s father delivered a strong message at the vigil.

“It’s time we start everyday to walk with the heart of forgiveness, love, honour and respect for one another and walk in unity again,” Roger Stoney said. “All nations stand together… and tonight, pray for all our children.

“I’m sad that she’s gone,” he said through tears. “A lot of friends are always going to remember the great things she’s done for everyone.

“We’re going to miss her. We love her.”