On September 6, 2025, around 1:15 a.m., officers from the East District responded to a condo complex in the 600 block of St. Anne’s Road, for the report of a woman being seriously assaulted.
When police arrived, they found two victims outside, both with serious injuries to their upper bodies.
A 46-year-old woman, Nicole Micheline FORTIER, was transported to hospital in critical condition and succumbed to her injuries.
A 27-year-old woman was transported to hospital in unstable condition and later upgraded to stable condition.
General Patrol officers searched the area with the assistance of the K9 Unit and AIR1, and located a male suspect in the 500 block of St. Anne’s Road.
He was taken into custody and the Homicide Unit took over the investigation.
21-year-old, Sonny BESSKKAYSTARE was charged with:
- Second Degree Murder
- Aggravated Assault
He was detained in custody.
The deceased Nicole FORTIER, and the accused had been involved in a prior relationship. Investigators determined the other victim had no connection to the accused and was randomly assaulted before he fled.
The Winnipeg Police Service is committed to providing support to survivors of intimate partner violence.
If you are in immediate danger call 911.
There are helpful police and community resources available, including, WPS Victim Services 204-986-6350, and Manitoba Justice Domestic Violence Support Service. For information regarding family violence shelters, you can call Ikwe Widdjiitiwin at 1-800-362-3344 and Willow Place at 204-615-0311.