Leaf Rapids RCMP Detachment with the assistance of Winnipeg Serious Crime Unit, Thompson Major Crime Unit and Thompson Forensic Identification Services are investigating a homicide which occurred in Leaf Rapids on May 19, 2012.
On May 19, 2012. at about 6:15am, Leaf Rapids RCMP responded to a complaint of three males who had been seriously assaulted in Leaf Rapids.
One adult male victim, identified as 39-year-old Garfield Baker, was transported to Thompson General Hospital and later succumbed to his injuries. One 22-year-old adult male of Leaf Rapids was treated for his injuries and released from the Leaf Rapids Health Centre. The third adult male, age 37, also of Leaf Rapids, was airlifted to Winnipeg and remains in stable conditions. RCMP have made three arrests to date in this investigation.
James Edwin Wood of Leaf Rapids, has been charged with the 2nd degree murder of Garfield Baker and the aggravated assault of the other two victims. Wood will appear in Provincial Court in Thompson on May 22, 2012. More charges are pending.
One individual was arrested and released unconditionally while the third individual remains in police custody and will be facing charges in connection with this matter.
Police continue to investigate the murder of Garfield Baker and the assaults of the other victims. Police say that the victims and the individuals involved in this incident know each other.
Anyone with information in this matter is asked regard to call the Leaf Rapids RCMP at (204)473-2944 or if you wish to remain anonymous call Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS). You can also “SUBMIT” a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com or TEXT “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).
