The 2024 Winnipeg Homicide Victim List is available here

The Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service (WFPS) and the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) responded to a serious fire at a commercial and residential mix-use building in the 200 block of Atlantic Avenue on September 14, 2024, at approximately 2:49 a.m.

WFPS members rescued an adult male and an adult female within one of the suites and began life-saving measures. They were transported to hospital in critical condition, where they were pronounced deceased. Two additional adult victims were treated for smoke inhalation.

Police said the fire was deemed suspicious, and the Homicide Unit is investigating.

Investigators have now identified the deceased as 49-year-old Geda WODISSO and 38-year-old Zenabu GULA. Notifications to families have been made.

The Homicide Unit continues to investigate, and no arrests have been made.

Update: On September 18, 2024, Alex Donald COURCHENE, 28, of Winnipeg, was arrested in the 700 block of Mountain Avenue for the two arson-related homicides of Geda WODISSO and Zenabu GULA on September 14.

COURCHENE has been charged with the following offences:

Arson Disregard Human Life x 2

Second Degree Murder x 2

Anyone with information regarding the incident, including video surveillance, is asked to contact investigators at 204-986-6508