Ukrainian newcomer fatally stabbed 'without provocation': Winnipeg police

Winnipeg police say a 46-year-old Ukrainian newcomer who fled the war-torn country with his family was fatally stabbed without provocation while walking to work on Wednesday.

Ethan Richard Gladu, 19, was charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of Ivan Rubanik on Dec. 20.

Rubanik was found injured in the area of Talbot Avenue and Watt Street. He was taken to hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Constable Jason Michalyshen with the Winnipeg Police Service called the incident “unexplainable” and “senseless.”

“There’s no information to support that a conversation occurred between these two,” he said. “I can tell you that there’s no information to support that these two knew each other, that there was any type of argument or dispute.

“Mr. Rubanik was going about his business. He was on his way to work.”

Gladu was arrested on Thursday in the 100 block of Henry Street.

He remains in custody and the charges have not been proven in court.

Rubanik had arrived in Winnipeg roughly one year ago with his wife and two children, Michalyshen said.

“They were looking for a safe place to live, and a safe place to raise their children,” he said. “Now, they’re left alone without a husband, without a father, with a lack of financial support, and really without a true understanding of how to live further with their loss, in a country they’re still learning a lot about.”