Winnipeg police made an arrest Sunday in connection with the homicide of 17-year-old Cooper Nemeth.

Police said Nemeth’s body was discovered Saturday evening.

“It is with sadness that I’m here to report that a body was discovered on a property on Bayne Crescent not far from the party where Cooper was last seen,” said Deputy Chief Danny Smyth with the Winnipeg police. He said he believes Nemeth was murdered.

Forensic units continued their investigation at the home on Bayne Crescent Sunday morning after receiving a call about suspicious activity. Police and crews were working at the back of the house.

Forensics removed a bin from the back of the home along with some fence boards.

Police said the owner of the home was not involved.

Smyth said investigators are not sure where the murder happened but they believe the body was moved to Bayne Crescent.

“The disappearance and murder or this young man has resonated throughout the city, far beyond the neighbourhood where Cooper lived,” said Smyth.

Winnipeg police were called regarding a stolen vehicle from the North Kildonan area. The suspect was found in the stolen vehicle in the Maples area, and was arrested immediately.

Police said they do not believe there was any gang involvement but they do believe it was drug related.

Nicholas Bell-Wright, 22, of Treger Bay in Winnipeg, was arrested on charges of second degree murder.  He remains in police custody.

Laresa Sayles, Nemeth’s aunt, tweeted Sunday morning:
 



Grief counselors at school

The River East Transcona School Division will have a crisis response team available at the Nemeth’s school on Monday.

“Councillors, staff and crisis management teams have been, and will continue to be available to students, staff and parents, tomorrow and ongoing,” said Kelly Barkman, the superintendent of the school division.

On Sunday, the principal of River East Collegiate posted on the school’s website, expressing thoughts on the tragedy.

Students are being asked to take care of one another as the community strives to cope with the loss.

The principal said Nemeth had many friends who will miss him.

“Cooper’s death is a senseless loss that is devastating to us all. He was a young man with many friends who touched the lives of many. He will be dearly missed by his Kodiak family here at River East Collegiate,” said Diana Posthumus, the principal.

Friends and family rallied on social media, changing the hashtag from #findcip to #ripcip.

His hockey team, the Marauders, played Sunday night. Nemeth's jersey was hanging behind the bench.