New information is emerging regarding the suspect charged with first-degree murder for the death of 73-year-old Elizabeth Lafantaisie.
Her body was found in the trunk of her vehicle on Feb. 24 on Lewis Street near River Avenue, said police.
Her coat and purse were found in the basement stairwell of the Summerland Apartments on University Crescent.
Sources tell CTV News the 25-year-old male suspect was known to break into vehicles in the Fort Garry area, near where Lafantaisie lived.
Verna Gallop, who lives in the area, said some people living in the neigbhourhood are worried.
"Well, I've heard people talking that they're a little a little scared, especially going into the basement or any parking garage," said Gallop.
Kim Marshall, a personal safety and self-defence expert, said people need to be aware of their surroundings.
"Statistically, they will say that you have a greater chance in your lifetime of being assaulted either verbally, sexually, physically, mentally by somebody who you allow into the immediacy of your personal space," said Marshall.
If someone is attacked, Marshall advises to punch an attacker in the face and then punch hard to the groin before running as fast as you can to safety.
Winnipeg police have said Lafantaisie was a random target. Investigators won't say where the attacked occurred or what led to it.
Lafantaisie's family released a statement on Wednesday it which it said it was relieved a suspect had been caught.
"(Our) relief still pales in comparison to the anguish we feel at the senselessness of her death. She was a beautiful, caring and loving person who was generous to everyone and asked for nothing in return. We will miss her deeply," said the family in the statement.
Lafantaisie's family also thanked the public for its help and police for their work in the investigation.
Thomas Brine, 25, of Winnipeg has been charged with first-degree murder for Lafantaisie's death.
- with a report from CTV's Caroline Barghout
