Man accused of murder in two separate killings now charged in third

A man already awaiting trial for his alleged role in two unrelated homicides is now charged in a third killing.

Maxim Dale Garneau, 27, was arrested for first-degree murder Tuesday in connection with the slaying of Robert Clayton Smith, 35. Smith was shot in a suite on the 300 block of Manitoba Avenue at about 2:45 p.m. on March 16. He died in hospital.

Garneau was being held on two second-degree murder charges at the Winnipeg Remand Centre when he was arrested.

Police picked up Garneau on April 11 after detectives asked for the public’s help in finding the man, while he was wanted in connection with two other killings. Garneau had a loaded gun in his backpack when arrested, police said previously.

He was charged with two counts of second-degree murder and single counts of possession of a weapon, possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized, tampering with the serial number of a firearm, possession of a firearm contrary to a probation order and possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm.

“There’s, without a doubt, some uniqueness to this violent individual for sure — three separate investigations, three arrests,” said Winnipeg Police Service spokesman Const. Jason Michalyshen. “This is definitely an individual we want to remove from our community.”

In order for a charge of first-degree murder to be laid, as in the case of Smith’s death, police have to consider the act planned and deliberate. Michalyshen said detectives consulted with Crown prosecutors in laying the charge.

“There was a greater degree of planning involved in this homicide,” said Michalyshen.

The police spokesman said that although all the killings are considered unrelated at this point, all are believed to be connected to the city’s subculture of drugs and gangs. Garneau knew all three victims prior to their deaths.

Garneau is associated with gangs, Michalyshen said, but did not elaborate further.

“This is a dangerous individual… very high risk,” said Michalyshen. “He’s been known to carry weapons and is clearly not afraid to use them.”

Police are still asking anyone with security video or information about Smith’s slaying to call detectives at 204-986-6508, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 204-786-8477 or winnipegcrimestoppers.org.

On March 28, police asked for the public’s help in finding Garneau in connection with the killing of Edgar Allan Bear, 56. Bear was found dead at 1246 Selkirk Ave. at about 4:40 p.m. on March 18.

On April 4, police announced Garneau was also wanted for second-degree murder in the shooting death of 25-year-old Daniel Raymond Garvey-Rodriquez last year.

Police were called to an apartment building at 285 College Ave. at about 6:45 p.m. on Sept. 10 and found Garvey-Rodriquez on the boulevard, suffering from a gunshot wound. He died in hospital.

A neighbour told the Free Press at the time that the apartment block was controlled by the Bloodz street gang.

Police released two security images of a man on a bicycle they called a person of interest in the September slaying on March 20.

Garneau was granted bail on unrelated charges on March 25, before police linked him to any of the three homicides. He was arrested on March 19, one day after the latest killing, for alleged weapons offences and court breaches.

Last July, as he was pleading guilty to possessing a weapon dangerous to the public peace, carrying a concealed weapon, possessing unauthorized ammunition and three court-order breaches, a judge issued a warning to Garneau.

“For sure, you’ve got to stay away from weapons,” provincial court Judge Robin Finlayson said.

Garneau has unspecified addictions issues and was receiving support from a community program meant for people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and other challenges, court heard at the time.

It was unclear, based on the hearing, whether he has been diagnosed with FASD or another disorder.

erik.pindera@freepress.mb.ca