Shooting death of 21-year-old man city’s 41st homicide of 2019

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This article was published 15/11/2019 (1635 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg police have identified a 21-year-old man as the 41st homicide victim of the year.

Dustin Cree Baker was found dead in a residence in the 700 block of Dufferin Avenue on Nov. 13, Winnipeg Police Service spokesman Const. Jay Murray told reporters during a press conference Saturday.

Police responded to a report of “suspicious circumstances” at the residence at approximately 9:10 p.m. Upon arrival to 745 Dufferin Ave., officers located Baker deceased inside.

Baker is believed to have died of gunshot wounds.

There were a total of 41 homicides in 2011 — the deadliest year for slayings in the city’s recent history. With six weeks remaining on the calendar, this year is now on par with that count.

“It’s important we don’t lose track of that as just a statistic,” Murray said Saturday. “Every homicide brings a grieving family, an impact on the community and a significant amount of work.

“It’s awful. We don’t like to see the number this high, we don’t like to see the number at all.”

Murray also addressed the “concerning” reality that recent violence has claimed the lives of several young victims.

In response to a recent rise in violent crime, the force shuffled 74 officers from various departments to increase foot patrols downtown, boost the number of frontline officers who respond to calls and support the homicide unit.

The shuffle, Murray said, has helped officers handle the larger-than-usual homicide workload.

As for the most recent death, police are asking anyone who was with Baker on Nov. 13 to come forward with information about his recent activities. The North End residence where he was found, Murray added, is believed to have been frequented by squatters.

“I think anyone that was with Baker owes it to his family to provide that information. That family’s going to be looking for the answers to a lot of questions right now,” he said.

“We’re counting on anyone who lives in the area, perhaps they heard a gunshot, perhaps they saw or heard something unusual.”

Members of the public with information are asked to call the homicide unit at 204-986-6508 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477.

maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @macintoshmaggie