Winnipeggers angry about attack on Rinelle Harper
The two accused in the Rinelle Harper case now the target of threatening messages on social media
The vicious attack of a young woman in Winnipeg is leading to outrage on social media.
The story of 16-year-old Rinelle Harper attracted national attention after she was found unconscious near the Assiniboine River early Saturday morning.
- Attacked Winnipeg teen Rinelle Harper called a hero and fighter
- Teen Rinelle Harper 'left for dead' after being attacked twice
Police said she had been assaulted and ended up in the ice-cold river. She managed to pull herself out of the water before the attackers returned and assaulted her for a second time. Police said she was beaten with a weapon and "left for dead."
On Wednesday, police announced 20-year-old Justin Hudson and a 17-year-old male had been arrested. They have been charged with attempted murder.
"...hope he get his ass kick[ed] in jail. If I see him around downtown I will punch him in the face," read one message.
Another called one of the accused a "disgusting waste of skin."
Mikayla Sinclair, 16, spoke with CBC News on Thursday. Standing on Selkirk Avenue, the teen said she was shocked to hear about the brutal attack on the teenager.
"There's still that feeling inside where it's like, you can't trust nobody anymore," said Sinclair.
Amanda Lathlin sometimes worries about her own safety. She said she was thankful police have made an arrest.
"I feel bad for her and her family, I hope she will make it through," said Lathlin.
Harper is from Garden Hill First Nation in northern Manitoba, but has been living in Winnipeg while attending Southeast Collegiate.
Her parents have been by her side in hospital since the attack. Harper was moved from intensive care to the children's ward on Wednesday.
Police said after the attack on Harper, the two males went on to assault a 23-year-old woman in a similar way at about 2:30 a.m. Saturday, in the area of Portage Avenue and Sherbrook Street.