Winnipeg police identify homicide victim, seek people of interest
MKO to hold vigil for Doris Trout, who was found dead in a common area of an apartment building on Thursday
Police have identified the victim of a homicide that occurred in Winnipeg's Central Park neighbourhood last week and are asking the public for help to identify people of interest in her death.
A woman, who police say has been identified as 25-year-old Doris Lydia Trout, was found dead in the common area of an apartment complex on Kennedy Street near Sargent Avenue early on Thursday morning, police said in a news release on Tuesday.
Prior to her death, Trout had been missing since April 12.
Trout's death is believed to be a homicide, and the Homicide Unit has taken over the investigation.
Officers are asking the public for help to identify two women pictured in security camera footage. They are considered people of interest, and police are seeking information about their travels before and after the homicide.
Anyone with information that may could help investigators is asked to call the Homicide Unit at 204-986-6508 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee shared condolences with Trout's loved ones and home community of God's Lake First Nation.
"Our women are sacred. They should be treated with respect and dignity," he said in a statement.
"The homicide of a second young Indigenous woman in a week is a tremendous loss and concern for our community. I am extremely worried we are witnessing an increase in deadly violence impacting First Nations women in the city of Winnipeg."
Heidi Spence, director of MKO's missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls liaison unit, said the loss and violence aren't acceptable.
"I am very concerned with the high rate of violence against our women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ community members," Spence said in a statement. "We all have a responsibility to take action and end gender-based violence."
MKO is helping organize a vigil for Trout. It takes place Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 444 Kennedy St. in Winnipeg.
The MKO MMIWG liaison unit offers supports survivors of violence as well as families and communities. Those services are available at 1-800-442-0488 or at 204-677-1648.