3.22.2010

Man charged with wife's murder in Winnipeg

Police were called to this apartment block on Jefferson Avenue around midnight.

Police were called to this apartment block on Jefferson Avenue around midnight.

Photograph by: Global TV, Winnipeg

http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/charged+with+woman+murder+Winnipeg/2710616/story.html

WINNIPEG — A 61-year-old man is facing second-degree murder charges in connection to his wife's death early Sunday morning — Winnipeg's first homicide of the year.

Police say the 59-year-old woman died from serious head trauma after being beaten with a household item in the apartment the couple shared. Winnipeg police would not say what the item was, only that it's something not commonly used as a weapon.

The man called 911 himself shortly after the assault, telling dispatchers he'd hurt his wife. Police are not releasing his name or the name of the victim until charges are formally laid.

Police said the couple had been married for decades but had no children. They are originally from Russia, moving to Canada years ago.

Police had no record of domestic violence in the home and no history with the husband. But police said it's not uncommon for domestic abuse to go unreported.

© Copyright (c) Winnipeg Free Press

Technorati Tags: ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,