WINNIPEG – Winnipeg and many people across Canada are in shock over the attack on a 16 year old girl, who was brutally attacked, and left for dead in the Assiniboine River.
Today there is a press conference where the young woman’s family will update the public.
Winnipeg Police report, “On November 8, 2014, at approximately midnight, a 16 year-old female, who police had identified as Rinelle Harper, met two males while in the downtown area at which time they struck up a conversation. The female began walking with the two males on the river walk under the Mid-Town Bridge.
Once under the bridge, the two males began attacking the victim by physically assaulting her to the upper and lower body. After the victim was seriously assaulted, she ended up in the Assiniboine River, travelling east for a short distance before exiting the water.
Now soaking wet and wearing minimal clothing, the suspects encountered the victim once again at which time she was assaulted with a weapon. The suspects fled the area, leaving the victim in critical condition.
At approximately 7:00AM, a passer-by located the victim suffering from numerous injuries. Emergency services were notified and the victim was transported in critical condition and was later upgraded to stable.
The investigation has revealed that on the same night, at approximately 2:30AM, the same two suspects encountered another female, 23 years-old, in the area of Portage Avenue and Sherbrook Street.
The female was assaulted with a weapon to the upper body and a serious sexual assault occurred involving both male suspects.
Members of the Homicide Unit continued with the investigation due to the seriousness of the initial incident. While doing so investigators linked both incidents.
On November 11, 2014, both male suspects were located and placed under arrest.
Justin James Hudson, 20 years of Winnipeg and a 17 year-old male of Winnipeg have been charged with the following due to their alleged involvement:
Attempt Murder
Aggravated Sexual Assault
Sexual Assault with a Weapon
Both males were remanded into custody.