Cyril Weenusk identified as Portage Avenue homicide victim

Winnipeg police are looking for at least three suspects in the beating death ofCyril Quentin Weenusk in the city's downtown early Tuesday morning.

Police say Weenusk, 26,was found injured near Portage Avenue and Donald Streetaround 3:50 a.m.Tuesday. He succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

• Homicide no indication downtown Winnipeg is unsafe: local bussineses

"At this early stage in the investigation, it appears that the victim had an altercation with a group of people in the area of Portage Avenue and Donald. The altercation turned violent and proved fatal," Const. Rob Carver told reporters late Wednesday afternoon.

No arrests have been made to date. Carver said investigatorsare looking for "three or moresuspects."

It doesn't appearWeenuskknew his attackers, he said.

"It looks like a chance encounter, a chance meeting on the street," Carver said, but added that Winnipeggers should not fear for their safety downtown.

RAW: Police update on Portage Ave homicide

8 years ago

Duration 1:54

Winnipeg police are looking for at least three suspects in the beating death of Cyril Quentin Weenusk in the city's downtown early Tuesday morning. Police say Weenusk, 26, was found injured near Portage Avenue and Donald Street around 3:50 a.m. Tuesday. He succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

"This is a tragic and very violent event," he said.

"It isn't the sort of incident that would necessarily alter the average person's perception of safety in this city or in the downtown area."

'He's a good guy,' says aunt

Family members told CBC News that Weenusk, a father of four from Oxford House, Man., was in Winnipeg to escort his father to some medical appointments.

Rhonda Wass, one of Weenusk's aunts, said theybecame concerned when he didn't come back to the downtown hotel where he and his fatherwere staying.

"He came here to be with his dad, to help him out, and he hasn't returned yet. And he's not the kind of a guy to be out there this long," Wass said at an event honouring missing and slainnorthern Manitobans earlier Wednesday.

"The father's still waiting out the window for his son. That's his baby. It's really sad he's a good guy."

Wass spoke to CBC Newsbefore the identity of the homicide victim was confirmed by police. She saidwhen the family saw photos of clothing at the scene, they feared it was his.

A vigil for Weenusk washeld outside the MTS Centre at 7 p.m.

Weenusk had four young children, his cousin Rick Wass said at the vigil.

"It hurts," Wass said. "He will surely be missed."

• Family, community remember Cyril Weenusk in vigil at Portage and Donald