A man accused of fatally stabbing his sister and injuring multiple others with a knife in Hollow Water First Nation, Manitoba, had been instructed to maintain distance from his sibling while on bail, as per court documents. Tyrone Simard, 26, faced charges of assault with a weapon and mischief related to incidents on June 8, along with previous charges of sexual assault and interference in 2017.
After being granted release on June 12, Simard was subjected to conditions including a curfew, prohibition from substance use, and possession of weapons. He was also prohibited from contacting four individuals involved in the alleged crimes, including his 18-year-old sister, Marina Simard, who tragically perished in the recent attacks.
Court records indicate that Simard had previously pled guilty to assault and mischief charges from 2017, with reports highlighting his struggles with cognitive function issues and alcohol abuse. Raised in Hollow Water until the age of 10, he was placed in foster care and later transitioned through various group homes in Winnipeg before aging out of the system.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported that Simard assaulted eight individuals in the First Nation community, with seven hospitalized as a result. Following the attacks, Simard fled in a stolen vehicle and later perished in a collision with an RCMP cruiser. The involved officer, en route to the scene, sustained injuries but is expected to recover.
The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba is now examining Simard’s demise. Condolences and support have been extended to the affected First Nation, with solidarity messages coming from the neighboring James Smith Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, commemorating a similar tragedy three years prior.
In a social media post, the James Smith First Nation expressed solidarity with Hollow Water, emphasizing shared strength and unity in the face of adversity. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew visited Hollow Water on the evening of the incident, showing support to the community.
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak offered prayers and sympathies following the tragic events, emphasizing the critical need for enhanced safety and security measures for indigenous communities. The incident has underscored the necessity for tailored, community-focused solutions to address the distinctive challenges faced by First Nations citizens.
