3 people arrested in connection with homicide at beer vendor
John Barrion was killed on Feb. 15 in an armed robbery followed by a shooting
UPDATE: Charges were stayed against Robert Gordon Francis on March 18, 2022, a court spokesperson told CBC News on April 18, 2023. A provincial spokesperson said Crown prosecutors could not comment on why the charges against Francis were stayed since charges remain against his two co-accused, William Arthur Sampson and Ryan Jeron Smith.
Three people have been arrested in connection with the killing of a 19-year-old man working at a beer vendor in Winnipeg.
John Barrion was killed on Feb. 15 while working at the Travelodge by Wyndham Winnipeg hotel on Notre Dame Avenue.
Winnipeg police confirmed Monday in a news conference that the homicide involved an armed robbery followed by a shooting.
Two of the men have been charged with second-degree murder, and one has been charged with manslaughter.
William Arthur Sampson, 51, was arrested Feb. 25 after a search warrant was executed at a home in Grant Park. Sampson has been charged with second-degree murder and armed robbery using a firearm.
Ryan Jeron Smith, 40, was arrested Feb. 25 in the William Whyte neighbourhood and charged with second degree murder and armed robbery using a firearm.
Robert Gordon Francis, 51, was arrested on Feb. 16 at a traffic stop on Notre Dame Avenue and Isabel Street. He has been charged with manslaughter and armed robbery using a firearm.
All three also received multiple additional charges.
Police said the robbery was random and the suspects did not know Barrion.
"This is a very sad incident … the victim, John Barrion, was very beloved in his community. And he was working," Const. Dani McKinnon told reporters.
"This was an unexpected set of circumstances where this robbery took place and he was shot."
On Feb. 19, a group of over 200 people gathered at a vigil for Barrion outside the beer vendor where he was killed. The vigil was organized by a Filipino watch group, 204 Neighbourhood Watch.
The Barrion family moved to Winnipeg from the Philippines. John was working at the vendor to save money for college. His friends said he dreamed of studying to become a chef.
Arrest made in 7th homicide of 2022
The Winnipeg police also gave an update on the homicide of 22-year-old Jorden James Batemen.
Batemen was found injured at a home on Toronto Street, between Sargent Avenue and Ellice Avenue, just before 1 a.m. on Feb. 26.
He was taken to hospital in critical condition, where he died of his injuries.
Jonathan Dakota Cree Chaske, 21, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
Corrections
- A previous version of this story stated William Arthur Sampson was 37 at the time of his arrest. Winnipeg police say Sampson was 51.Mar 01, 2022 2:28 PM EST