An incident in Hollow Water First Nation resulted in the death of an 18-year-old woman and the suspect, identified as her brother, after multiple stabbings, according to the RCMP. Seven other community members, ranging in age from 18 to 60, were also injured during the early morning attacks, as reported by Supt. Rob Lasson, who leads Manitoba RCMP major crime services.
The suspect, Tyrone Simard, 26, from Hollow Water, was involved in the tragic events. Simard’s escape from the community in a stolen vehicle led to a collision with an RCMP vehicle on Provincial Road 304 near Black River First Nation, approximately 40 kilometers south of Hollow Water, resulting in his death. The responding Mountie in the vehicle was seriously injured but is expected to recover fully.
Initial reports of the violence were received before 4 a.m. when a First Nation safety officer alerted RCMP about an earlier attack, seeking medical assistance for the suspect’s fleeing. Subsequently, multiple people with stab wounds were discovered, with additional victims found at a second scene.
The relationship between the suspect and victims was confirmed by Lasson, who mentioned that they were acquaintances. The ongoing investigation focuses on gathering information from witnesses and identifying any additional victims. The authorities dismissed any connection between these stabbings and the 2022 stabbing rampage in Saskatchewan.
Emotional statements were made by Hollow Water Chief Larry Barker, who knew the victims, urging community support and prayers. Witnesses shared harrowing experiences, like Michael Raven’s family, who described his stabbing incident and injuries.
Acknowledging the heroism of the injured Mountie, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew expressed gratitude on behalf of the province. The victims received medical attention, with some undergoing surgery and the hospital preparing for a potential surge in patients.
Ensuring public safety, the RCMP confirmed no further risks to the community. Road closures related to the incident have since been reopened. Hollow Water First Nation, an Anishinaabe community on Lake Winnipeg’s east shore, has a close-knit population of just over 1,100 registered members living on reserve as of August.
