Homicide – Arrests: C22-32332

Released: February 28, 2022 at 8 a.m.

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Update:

Detectives with the Winnipeg Police Major Crimes Unit have arrested three suspects in the murder of 19-year-old John Lloyd BARRION, who was killed in the early morning hours of February 15, 2022.

William Arthur SAMPSON, 51, was arrested on February 25, 2022, after a search warrant was executed at a residence in the Grant Park neighbourhood. He has been charged with:

- Second Degree Murder
- Armed Robbery Using a Firearm
- Carry Concealed Weapon/Prohibited Device
- Possess Firearm, Restricted Weapon Contrary to Prohibition Order x 8

Ryan Jeron SMITH, 40, was arrested on February 25, 2022, outside a residence in the William Whyte neighbourhood after a brief traffic pursuit. He has been charged with:

- Second Degree Murder
- Armed Robbery Using a Firearm
- Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance
- Flight While Pursued by Peace Officer
- Operation of a Conveyance While Prohibited
- Possess Prohibited/Restricted Weapon
- Possess Firearm, Restricted Weapon Contrary to Prohibition Order
- Fail to Comply with Probation Order x 2

Robert Gordon FRANCIS, 37, was arrested on February 16, 2022, in a traffic stop initiated by a K9 unit. He has been charged with:

- Manslaughter
- Armed Robbery Using a Firearm
- Accessory After the Fact to Murder
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in Motor Vehicle

All three were detained in custody.

As previously released:

On February 15, 2022, at approximately 3:10 a.m., emergency services personnel responded to a report of an injured male at a beer vendor located in the 1400 block of Notre Dame Avenue. The victim was transported to hospital in unstable condition, where he succumbed to his injuries.

This investigation is continuing by members of the Major Crimes Unit. Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 204-986-6219 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).

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