A 42-year-old woman is dead after a stabbing on Wednesday night in the city's North End, said Winnipeg police.
The incident took place around 8:30 p.m. outside the Merchants Hotel, near the corner of Selkirk Avenue and Andrews Street, in the 500 block of Selkirk Avenue.
Officers said it appears that two groups of individuals were involved in a confrontation, which led to the victim being stabbed.
Witnesses said the woman and her daughter were having a drink at the hotel and then went outside to smoke. A fight broke out between the two women and a group of teenage girls, said witnesses.
"I think we are really still searching for the motive and the reason for the initial confrontation," said Const. Jason Michalyshen, a spokesperson for Winnipeg police.
Some people who were in the area told CTV News the fight was over a cigarette.
The victim was rushed to hospital in critical condition following the stabbing, but later died from injuries, said police.
Officers said the female suspects may have been inside the hotel before the attack. The owner of the bar has given surveillance video to officers.
Anyone with information about the incident who has not already spoken to officers is asked to contact investigators at 986-6508, or CrimeStoppers at 786-8477.
Family members identified the victim as Sheila Fontaine, a mother and grandmother, and said she was stabbed near the heart. The victim's daughter Taydi Bruyere said she was too devastated to conduct an interview but sent CTV News a statement.
"She was a good, kind-hearted person. She was loved lots. Now I'm alone. My mom raised my daughter since she was a baby...she was an amazing woman," said Bruyere in the statement.
- with a report from CTV's Stacey Ashley
