Police Responded to Wellbeing Call on Keenleyside Street; Homicide Unit Leading Investigation
WINNIPEG — Winnipeg Police say two men are in custody and facing serious charges following a homicide investigation that began with a wellbeing call at a residence in the city’s East District.
Police report that on Feb. 21, 2026, at 5:07 p.m., officers were dispatched to a home in the 400 block of Keenleyside Street. East District General Patrol officers located a 20-year-old man suffering from injuries inside the residence. He was transported to hospital in critical condition, where he later died.
An 18-year-old was arrested at the scene. Police say a second suspect, a 19-year-old, was arrested later that evening at 8:17 p.m. in the 500 block of St. Mary’s Road.
The Winnipeg Police Service Homicide Unit has taken over the investigation.
Police have identified the deceased as Nikolas Bear, 20, a member of Berens River First Nation who had been residing in Winnipeg.
Charges Laid
Winnipeg Police say:
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Augustine Owen Bear, 18, and
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Xaavier Xander Fiddler, 19
have each been charged with:
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Manslaughter
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Aggravated Sexual Assault
Both accused were detained in custody.
This report is based on police information. The accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
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Understanding the Charges Under the Criminal Code
Manslaughter
Manslaughter is a form of culpable homicide where a person causes another’s death but the Crown does not allege the intent required for murder. In Canadian law, manslaughter can arise in several ways, including:
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an unlawful act that results in death,
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criminal negligence causing death, or
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other circumstances where death is caused without the specific intent for murder.
Penalty: Manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Where a firearm is used, mandatory minimum penalties can apply; otherwise, sentencing is highly fact-driven and depends on the circumstances, the offender’s background, and aggravating/mitigating factors. Courts may impose lengthy penitentiary terms where violence is severe, where there is a breach of trust, or where the conduct is particularly brutal.
Aggravated Sexual Assault
Aggravated sexual assault is among the most serious sexual offences in the Criminal Code. It generally involves committing a sexual assault while:
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wounding, maiming, disfiguring, or
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endangering the life of the complainant.
Penalty: Aggravated sexual assault is punishable by up to life imprisonment. It also carries a mandatory minimum sentence in certain circumstances (including specific factors such as the age of the complainant or use of a firearm). Beyond incarceration, convictions can also trigger significant court orders, including:
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DNA collection orders (where applicable),
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long-term probation conditions after custody,
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registration obligations under federal legislation for sex offenders (where ordered by the court),
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and restrictions on contact with victims and other vulnerable persons.
Possible Court Orders Upon Conviction
If there is a conviction for either charge, the court may also consider additional orders depending on the facts, including:
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probation orders with strict conditions (often following a custodial sentence),
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no-contact orders and geographic restrictions,
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weapons prohibitions,
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restitution in limited circumstances,
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and other victim-protection conditions.
Sentencing in Canada is individualized and guided by Criminal Code principles, including denunciation, deterrence, separation from society where necessary, rehabilitation, and proportionality.
Investigation Continues: Police Seeking Information
Winnipeg Police are asking anyone with information to contact:
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Homicide Unit: 204-986-6508
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Crime Stoppers (anonymous): 204-786-TIPS (8477)
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or online at winnipegcrimestoppers.org
