Man charged with manslaughter in death of Dauphin River First Nation woman: Winnipeg police

Posted on July 5, 2024 by Peggy

A 23-year-old man has been arrested and charged with manslaughter in the death of a Dauphin River First Nation woman who was killed in Winnipeg last month, police say.

Norma Jean Sumner, 29, was found with life-threatening injuries on the 500 block of Balmoral Street, between Qu’Appelle and Cumberland avenues, just after midnight on June 23, police previously said. She was taken to hospital in critical condition, where she later died.

Police say their investigation determined she and a man whom she didn’t know were involved in a physical altercation that led to her injuries.

They identified Kyle Byron Straight, 23, as the suspect. He was arrested on Wednesday and charged with manslaughter, the Winnipeg Police Service said in a Friday news release.

Sumner was a member of Dauphin River First Nation in northern Manitoba, but was living in Winnipeg, police previously said.

At a June 27 vigil, Meagen Ednie, Sumner’s partner, described her as a “generous, caring, strong, confident, loving person.”

WATCH | Friends, family gather at June 27 vigil for Norma Jean Sumner:

Friends, family, leaders pay their respects to Norma Jean Sumner

8 days ago

Duration 1:35

People gathered in downtown Winnipeg Thursday night to remember Norma Jean Sumner, 29, who police say was the victim of a homicide Sunday. Her partner says Sumner was a strong, caring woman and she’s hoping police will find the people responsible for her death.