Hip-hop fans' phones could hold clues to fatal shooting in Winnipeg
Theodoros Belayneh shot near Donald Street and Stradbrook Avenue after going to Ace Hood concert
Winnipeg police say the Edmonton man who died after being shot near Donald Street and Stradbrook Avenue early Saturday morning attended a hip-hop concert before his death, and investigators are asking attendees for tips.
Theodoros Belayneh and some of his friends saw American rapper Ace Hood perform at Reset Interactive Ultralounge on Pembina Highway Friday night, hours before he was shot, police said.
At around 3 a.m. Saturday, Belayneh and another man were shot near the Winnipeg Squash Racquet Club and rushed to hospital in critical condition. Belayneh, 32, succumbed to his injuries.
CBC has learned the second victim was Winnipegger Biniam Fitur.
Fitur was driving Belayneh's vehicle when it was shot.
Fitur was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2012 but was released. He was convicted for attempted kidnapping and assault for an incident in January 2008.
He had allegedly been working with a criminal organization in British Columbia to bring multiple kilograms of cocaine to Winnipeg every week, according to court documents.
In 2008, he allegedly planned to steal $100,000 in cash and cocaine from one of his customers, who was dealing drugs on the street. Court heard Fitur wanted the victim to have to purchase more product from him, but the victim escaped.
Winnipeg police homicide unit is asking people who saw the Ace Hood concert to come forward, saying clues may be saved in their phones.
Any photos or videos taken during the concert or outside in the parking lot before and after the concert could show police who Belayneh interacted with before he was killed.
Anyone with tips or who has photos or videos is asked to call investigators at 204-986-6508.
With files from Caroline Barghout