Update:
On September 18, 2024, a 28-year-old male, Alex Donald COURCHENE of Winnipeg, was arrested in the 700 block of Mountain Avenue for the two arson-related homicides of Geda WODISSO and Zenabu GULA on September 14.
COURCHENE has been charged with the following offences:
- Second Degree Murder x 2
- Arson Disregard Human Life x 2
He has been detained in custody.
Investigators have determined the deceased were married and were not known to the accused. All family notifications have been made.
As previously released:
On September 14, 2024, at approximately 2:49 a.m., the Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service (WFPS) and the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) responded to a serious fire at a commercial and residential mix-use building in the 200 block of Atlantic Avenue.
While suppressing the fire, WFPS members rescued an adult male and an adult female within one of the suites and initiated life-saving measures. Both victims were transported to hospital in critical condition, where they were subsequently pronounced deceased. Two additional adult victims were treated for smoke inhalation.
The fire was deemed suspicious, and the Homicide Unit is investigating.
Investigators have now identified the deceased as 49-year-old Geda WODISSO and 38-year-old Zenabu GULA. Notifications to families have been made.
The Homicide Unit continues to investigate, and no arrests have been made.
Anyone with information regarding the incident, including video surveillance, is asked to contact investigators at 204-986-6508 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org.