Winnipeg police are investigating the murder of a 28-year-old woman

Content Warning: This article contains information about the murder that may be disturbing to some readers. The reader is advised to exercise caution.

The murder of a 28-year-old woman

Winnipeg, MB – Winnipeg police are investigating the death of a 28-year-old woman who was found unresponsive downtown.

On Wednesday, October 31, 2024, at approximately 3:10 p.m., officers responded to a report of suspicious circumstances in the first 100 block of Promenade. Upon arrival, they found a woman with non-life threatening injuries. Although emergency medical care was provided at the scene and she was transported to the hospital, she was pronounced dead.

The victim has been identified as Brianna Close of Winnipeg. The homicide unit took over the investigation.

Understanding Homicide Charges in Canada

In Canada, homicide is a broad term that encompasses several crimes, including murder, manslaughter, and infanticide. The specific charge in this case will depend on the circumstances of Close’s death, including the cause of death and the perpetrator’s intent, if any.

• murder: Murder is the deliberate killing of another person. It is further divided into first-degree murder (premeditated and premeditated) and second-degree murder (premeditated but not premeditated). Both carry a mandatory life sentence, but the parole periods differ.
• Manslaughter: Involuntary manslaughter is a homicide committed without the intent to kill. It can be both voluntary (murder in the heat of the moment) and unintentional (manslaughter due to carelessness or criminal negligence). Manslaughter sentences vary widely depending on the circumstances.
• Infanticide: Infanticide is a special crime related to the killing of a newborn child by the mother. It carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

Presumption of innocence:

It is important to emphasize that no one has been arrested in this case and anyone potentially involved in Close’s death is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation is ongoing. Police are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact the homicide unit at 204-986-6508 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 204-786-TIPS (8477) or online at winnipegcrimestoppers.org.