RCMP have charged a 33-year-old man with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a senior citizen in Selkirk.
Ralph Larson, 80, died in hospital after being beaten in his home on the weekend.
On Tuesday evening, RCMP said Ryan Otte, 33, of Selkirk had been charged with second-degree murder in the death.
The victim is believed to have known the suspect.
Some residents in Selkirk expressed outrage and sadness after the incident claimed the life of Larson.
"(It's) anger and disgust that somebody could do that to a man who was that age…who helped out young people who were in trouble. And he was dying of cancer himself," said Carol Guest.
A neighbour found Larson bleeding and moaning inside the senior's home on Sunday morning in the 700 block of Clandeboye Avenue. It's unknown at this time when exactly the attack happened.
Larson lived alone, needed a walker to get around and often hired local youths to help him around the house and in the yard.
"I just feel terrible for him and I feel terrible for his family and our city is grieving this. I mean we will certainly mourn this man who, for all intents and purposes, had no real enemies and befriended the youth," said David Bell, mayor of Selkirk.
Henry Maicher, 72, lives by himself in Selkirk and said he's used to not locking his doors. But the recent attack on Larson has changed his mind.
"Now that this has happened…you just have to watch out for yourself," said Maicher.
Bell, meanwhile, believes the attack on Larson was an isolated incident.
Officers continue to investigate.
- with a report from CTV's Rachel Lagacé
