A 14-year-old boy has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Danielle Dawn Cote and is facing a number of other charges for his alleged involvement in a string of other recent shootings.
Cote, 27, was walking in the 400 block of Flora Avenue with an 18-year-old man, who police believe is her cousin, around 3:15 a.m. July 1 when police say the pair were both shot.
The man, who police say was critically injured, was able to make his way to a nearby convenience store, and police were called. He was taken to hospital where he remains in critical condition.
Cote’s killing is Winnipeg’s 20th homicide of the year and she’s the seventh victim killed with a gun in the city this year, according to police.
At a Friday press conference police alleged Cote’s shooting death was one of several shootings reported since Canada Day the same teen, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is responsible for.
Police spokesperson Const. Jay Murray said none of the victims knew the shooter, and called the seemingly random crimes “everyone’s worst fear.”
“I think it’s going to be terrifying and concerning for a lot of Winnipeg the fact that we would have so much violence and committed by such a young individual,” Murray said, adding the teen had no previous record with Winnipeg police.
Police also accuse the teen of shooting a 44-year-old man found on Balmoral Street near Cumberland Avenue shortly before 2:30 a.m. July 1. The man was hit by a car after being shot, police said.
The man remains in hospital in stable condition, police said Friday.
Police allege the same teen is also behind a shooting near the Winnipeg sign at The Forks around 12:35 a.m. July 2, which saw a 40-year-old man rushed to hospital with a gunshot wound.
The victim remains in hospital in stable condition, according to police.
Murray said a suspect was identified Thursday, and investigators believe all three shootings are related.
He said during the investigation a fourth, previously unreported shooting, was discovered.
In that case Murray said an unidentified female was shot at while with an unidentified male in the 100 block of Isabel Street sometime between when the man was shot on Balmoral Street and Cote’s killing.
Police say the unidentified female was able to flee on foot after being shot at.
Murray said he couldn’t yet say what motivated the string of shootings, but did say the investigation is on going and further charges may be pending.
He said police aren’t ruling out the possibility there are further victims who haven’t reported to police.
Police say the teen was arrested in the North Kildonan area around 4 p.m. Thursday, and a gun was recovered shortly after the arrest. They believe it’s the weapon used in all of the shootings.
Murray wouldn’t say what kind of gun was used in the shootings as the investigation continues.
“We don’t want to unnecessarily influence any statements we might be going after in the future.”
As well as first-degree murder, the 14-year-old from Winnipeg is facing a slew of charges including attempted murder using a firearm, attempted murder, two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of assault with a weapon, possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order, and three counts of discharging a firearm with intent.
He has been detained in custody.
Police are asking anyone with information — including details about the fourth unreported shooting — to call investigators at 204-986-6508 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS.
–With files from The Canadian Press
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