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Cause of woman's death outside Tuxedo housing complex unknown

By: Bartley Kives

Posted: 02/2/2013 11:40 AM | Comments: 0 | Last Modified: 02/2/2013 4:20 PM | Updates

Winnipeg Police officers at an apartment complex in Tuxedo, Saturday. A blanket was being used to cover something in the courtyard. (TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store

An autopsy will be conducted on a body discovered in the courtyard of a Tuxedo housing complex on Saturday morning.

Shortly before 10 a.m., a resident of a Manitoba Housing complex on Doncaster Avenue, between Corydon Avenue and Tuxedo Avenue, discovered a deceased female lying next to a play structure. Winnipeg police taped off the courtyard – as well as several of the complex’s units – and placed a tarp over the body. A large white purse was visible next to it, along with what appeared to be beverage cans.

Shaken residents of the complex, which is home to families with young children, were not certain what transpired overnight. Resident Erica LaPlante, 13, said she heard shouts from the courtyard at about 3 a.m., but assumed someone was playing in the courtyard.

"I thought it was kids playing – teenagers," she said.

Deb LaPlante, Erica’s mother, said she feared the victim is a resident of another unit in the complex. Residents of the complex are fairly certain of the identity of the deceased woman, but police have yet to confirm the information. More will be forthcoming on Sunday, Const. Jason Michalyshen said.

It is not yet clear whether the woman died of exposure, foul play or a combination of factors. After her body was removed, parents in the complex continued to keep their kids indoors, Deb LaPlante said.

"This is going to affect a lot of people in the area," she said. "This happened right next to the place where our children play."

A vigil for the deceased woman will be held Sunday at 6 p.m., Deb LaPlante said.

History

Updated on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 12:21 PM CST: adds photo

12:38 PM: updates with full writethru

4:20 PM: changes headline; updates with full writethru

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