WINNIPEG -- Winnipeg police have arrested a 45-year-old man in connection with a domestic homicide in the William Whyte area Friday.

According to police, around 11:40 a.m., emergency personnel responded to a report of an injured woman in a multi-family home in the 300 block of Redwood Avenue.

"Upon arrival, we located that injured female in one of the suites," said Const. Jay Murray with the Winnipeg Police Service. "She was taken to hospital in critical condition where she was later pronounced deceased."

The victim was identified as Marie Morin, a 46-year-old woman from Winnipeg.

Police believe that Morin had been socializing with the suspect at his residence when she was assaulted. Morin suffered a significant laceration, and police say the homicide is considered domestic in nature.

"There's a probation order there that was prohibiting contact, so there certainly was some history between the two," said Const. Murray.

Brandon Carl Starnyski, from Winnipeg, has been charged with second-degree murder and failing to comply with a probation order.

He was detained in custody. No charges have been proven in court.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESOURCES

Cynthia Drebot, the executive director for the North End Women's Centre, said when COVID-19 physical distancing measures began, the organization saw a decrease in women calling the resource centre and accessing the domestic violence shelter.

"If people are in their homes and they're on the phone, if their abuser is with them, how do they ask for help," said Drebot.

She wants women to know that women resource centres are still open during COVID-19.

She said women can still go to the centres in person, or access them through social media.

The Winnipeg Police Service has also launched a domestic violence webpage that lists available resources and community links.

Const. Murray said police want to ensure everyone has the resources they need at their fingertips.

"The pandemic might cause more people to talk about domestic violence right now, but it's important that that dialogue and that discussion continues after the fact too," he said.