Missing-person case now a homicide

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This article was published 17/02/2015 (4203 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s a tragic end to a high-profile missing person mystery.

Winnipeg police say the remains of Christophur Baur, 36, were found Sunday inside a home in the 800 block of Magnus Avenue.

A resident of the home, 38-year-old James John Morris, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. Police say Baur and Morris were known to each other.

“Our office has put a lot of time into this investigation. Very seldom do these types of situations end up like this,” Const. Eric Hofley said Monday.

Baur was last seen the evening of Jan. 3, at the Casa Grande Pizzeria on Sargent Avenue at Wall Street in Winnipeg’s West End.

Police say they believe he was killed that same night after attending the accused’s home. An “altercation” ensued, with Baur being struck with a weapon, knocked unconscious and eventually dying of his injuries.

Police say Baur’s body was hidden inside the home, where it remained for six weeks. No other details on the concealment were provided Monday.

“At the end of the day, we have Mr. Baur losing his life over what appears to be a fairly innocuous situation,” Hofley told reporters.

Police made several calls for public assistance on this case, including late last month when Baur’s red 2007 Toyota Yaris was found in the 800 Block of Manitoba Avenue.

Hofley said Monday police believe the vehicle was moved after Baur’s death in a likely attempt to lead investigations “in a different direction.”

‘At the end of the day, we have Mr. Baur losing his life over what appears to be a fairly innocuous situation’

The missing persons unit originally began investigating, but turned the file over to homicide detectives last week once they suspected Baur was a victim of foul play.

“This incident was solved by knocking on doors, good old-fashioned police work,” said Hofley.

Morris is known to police through previous dealings, police said. He is being held in custody and will make his first court appearance Tuesday morning.

www.mikeoncrime.com