Recent violent crimes 'heartbreaking' says North Central Regina resident
Community deals with 1 homicide, 2 attempted murders over past 2 weeks
A woman helping to organize patrols through Regina's North Central neighbourhood is calling recent violent crimes there "heartbreaking."
"It definitely has affected myself. It's always heartbreaking knowing we lose people within our communities," said Shawna Oochoo with White Pony Lodge, the group behind the patrols.
1 homicide, 2 attempted murders
On May 10, police were called to the 1300 block of Elphinstone just after 7:30 p.m. CST. Wilburn Campbell, 37, was found injured on the sidewalk. He was confirmed dead later in hospital. No charges have been laid. It was the city's third homicide of the year.
The next day, a 14-year-old boy was the victim of what police called a "serious sustained physical assault." A 27-year-old and 17-year-old have been charged with attempted murder. It happened on the 1100 block of Cameron Street.
On May 5, at about 8:00 p.m., police said a vehicle drove up on the 2900 block of Dewdney and a 21-year-old man standing outside a business was shot. An 18-year-old woman has been charged with attempted murder.
Volunteer patrols 'needed'
Oochoo is organizing the White Pony Lodge's volunteer patrols of North Central.
"It really motivates us to continue to keep moving forward," Oochoo said. "It shows that something definitely is needed within our community."
Oochoo said the focus now is to train volunteers. She hopes to launch patrols on June 17, running every Friday and Saturday.
Regina's first 2 homicides
On the morning of March 29 police were called to the 1000 block Princess Street. Andre Aubertin, 56, was killed.
A 27 and a 33-year-old man were charged with second-degree murder.
And the city's first homicide happened on Feb. 20 on the 700 block of Garnet Street. The victim was 26-year-old Joshua Harden. Three teenage boys, ages 14,15 and 17, and a 22 year-old man are all facing charges of second-degree murder.