Ernest Dennis Desmarais dies in a domestic dispute in Winnipeg

On Thursday, August 10th, 2010 at approximately 3:00 a.m. Winnipeg Police Service Uniform Members along with Emergency Service Responders attended to the area in the 700 block of McGee Street in response to a 911 call regarding an assault in progress.

Upon arrival, Police located a critically injured male who was transported to the hospital and has since succumbed to his injuries. This male has been identified as, Ernest Dennis DESMARAIS, 40 years of Winnipeg.

An adult male who was believed to be responsible for Mr DESMARAIS injuries was taken into police custody at this time. Officers located several witnesses who were subsequently interviewed.

The Winnipeg Police Service Homicide Unit continued with the investigation. This investigation has revealed that prior to his death, Mr. DESMARAIS became involved in domestic dispute with a female acquaintance on the front street which escalated into a violent domestic assault.

The noted adult male area resident became aware of this assault and attended the area and was able to intervene in a non-violent manner and successfully diffused the assault. This male resident then returned back into his suite. A short time later, Mr. DESMARAIS unlawfully entered the male’s home.

The adult male resident was able to convince Mr DESMARAIS to leave his home, however, once outside, Mr DESMARAIS became aggressive and attempted to assault the resident.

The resident defended himself by striking Mr DESMARAIS. Tragically, the injuries sustained by Mr DESMARAIS were fatal.

Investigation revealed that the accounts of the events related by the male resident were consistent with witness statement accounts.

Furthermore, Forensic Evidence collected at the scene, as well as the post mortem results were found to be consistent with the findings of the investigation.

The Crown Attorney’s office was consulted and reviewed the results of the Police investigation. After reviewing all of the facts surrounding this incident, as well as the appropriate case law, the Crown was not satisfied that there is any reasonable likelihood of a conviction in respect of a prosecution in relation to the death of Mr DESMARAIS.

As a result, no charges will be laid in this matter.