Victim of homicide killed with military-style rifle 'designed specifically to kill people' say police

A 29-year-old man is dead and two other men face charges of first-degree murderafter a shootingin Winnipeg's West End on Thursday night.

Victim of homicide killed with military-style rifle 'designed specifically to kill people' say police

9 years ago

Duration 1:50

A 29-year-old man is dead and two other men face charges of first-degree murder after a shooting in Winnipeg's West End on Thursday night.

Police were called to the 600 block of Wellington Avenue, nearAgnes Street,around 6:30 p.m.about shots being fired.

George Prieston was found with wounds to the upper body and rushed to the hospital in critical condition. He was later pronounced dead.

A dog belonging to Prieston was also found shot and had to be put down due to its injuries, police spokesman Const. Rob Carver said at a news conference Friday.

A military-style assault rifle with a high-capacity magazine was used in the shooting, hesaid.

"This is a very serious weapon designed specifically to kill people," Carversaid, adding that the weapon has not been found and a bulletin has been sent to officers to be aware of that.

"There is a risk involved as long as that weapon is out there," he added, saying police have leads about where it might be "and hopefully it will be recovered shortly."

Winnipeg police talk about the military-style assault rifle used in the shooting

9 years ago

Duration 0:54

Const. Rob Carver talks about the weapon "designed specifically to kill people," and that officers are still searching for the gun.

A number of suspects were located in the area when police arrived and two men have been arrested.

They face the followingcharges:

• First-degree murder.
• Two counts of failure to comply with court conditions.
• Cruelty to animals.

Carver said the investigation is ongoing and wouldn'tsay if more arrests might be coming.

Anyone with information is asked to call204-986-7983or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).

Busy night

Shortly after police were called about the homicide, theywere called about two armed robberies, including a carjacking.

Both of those incidents resulted in police pursuits and a total of four police vehicles being damaged.

• Carjacking leads to police chase and multiple-vehicle crash

"An incredible number of police resources were deployed and utilized last night," Carver said."It was ahuge commitment by our members to resolve these incidents."

Well over 35 police units were tied up in a 90-minute period for those three incidents, he said.

That left about100 other calls for service waiting until resources could be freed up.

Police are still working on many of them today, Carver said.

RAW: Police investigate the scene on Wellington Ave. where a 29-year-old man was shot and killed Thursday night

9 years ago

Duration 0:26

2 men face 1st-degree murder charges after a shooting in Winnipeg's West End on Thursday night.