Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Quarrel over cash prompted slaying

Derek Spence

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Derek Spence

A dispute over a few dollars led to the fatal stabbing of a 24-year-old father of two earlier this week, police said Saturday, as they announced they'd arrested a suspect in the case.

Winnipeg police confirmed Derek Robert Spence was robbed of a "small amount of money" before he was stabbed early Friday morning in the 500 block of Manitoba Avenue. Witnesses told CBC the man was robbed for $10.

Const. Jason Michalyshen said the victim became involved in a dispute with an acquaintance over a small amount of money. He said the situation escalated, and the victim was robbed and physically assaulted to his upper body.

Between 15 and 20 minutes later, Michalyshen said, the victim encountered the man again, and became involved in another dispute.

A third man intervened and stabbed the victim in the upper body.

"I don't think there's any amount of money that would justify this type of situation, but my understanding is it does appear to be for a small amount of money," Michalyshen said.

"Many times it's over very insignificant things and that truly is a tragedy."

Police arrested a man in connection with the incident on Saturday morning. Leonard Leslie Murdock, 23, was charged with manslaughter. He was taken into custody at the remand centre.

Family and friends of Spence said he'd been working as a roofer, and that he had an eight-year-old daughter and four-year-old son who did not live with him.

Michalyshen said the victim and the accused are both known to police. He said the victim and the accused were acquaintances.

Spence's death is the 16th homicide of the year.

jen.skerritt@freepress.mb.ca

 

 

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition August 29, 2010 A6

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