CTV News has learned the home of a witness in an upcoming murder trial in Winnipeg was firebombed last week.
The witness is slated to testify in a trial for the death of Darcy Coutu, a man killed in a drive-by shooting on a patio. It happened at the Quality Inn on Pembina Highway near Grant Avenue in May 2008. It's believed Coutu, a father of three, was not the intended target. He was at the hotel with his cousin, who sources said is a member of the Zig-Zag Crew.
Three weeks ago, a judge ruled the case proceed to trial. A publication ban has been put into place, protecting the identity of witnesses.
Last week, the home of a man scheduled to testify was firebombed. He was not at home at the time. A woman inside heard a loud bang, said officers.
"Some sort of a commotion (was) heard at the front of the residence. She investigated and saw some damage which would be consistent to a Molotov cocktail thrown at the front of the home," said Const. Jason Michalyshen, a spokesperson for Winnipeg police.
Sources told CTV News the incident appears to be a case of witness intimidation.
Police wouldn't confirm if the firebombing and the upcoming murder trial are connected, but said the homicide unit is investigating.
"In any situation where we're dealing with (a) potential witness…involved in investigations, we're going to do everything in our power to ensure the safety of that particular witness," said Michalyshen.
CTV tried to talk to the homeowners where the firebombing took place, but they could not be reached Tuesday afternoon.
So far, there have been no arrests made in connection with the firebombing.
- with a report from CTV's Stacey Ashley
