Homicide/Officer-Involved Shooting: C19-245521

Released: November 2, 2019 at 8 a.m.

On October 18, 2019, at approximately 8:00 a.m., East District General Patrol officers responded to a report of a domestic incident at a residence in the 300 block of Riverton Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers located a deceased adult female inside the residence. Officers also encountered an adult male, and a confrontation occurred which resulted in an officer-involved shooting. The male was subsequently transported to hospital.

Members of the Homicide Unit continued with the investigation, and a post-mortem examination has determined the cause of the female’s death to be a homicide. The deceased has been identified as Karen Jane Letniak, a 48-year-old female of Winnipeg.

On November 1, 2019, Homicide investigators charged Cody Don SAUNDERS, 26, with:
- Second Degree Murder
- Assault Peace Officer with a Weapon
- Possession of a Weapon

He has been detained in custody

The Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) of Manitoba has maintained responsibility for the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.


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