A woman has died in a suspected stabbing at the Hay River highrise.
In a short statement on Thursday, police confirmed they are investigating a homicide. One person has been arrested but has yet to be charged.
RCMP have not identified the victim. She has been named locally as Roberta Lynn Sabourin.
In a social media profile, Sabourin – aged 42 – describes herself as a resident of the town for almost her entire life, with four daughters and a son.
“I just saw her the other day,” Diana McArthur, who identifies herself as Sabourin’s sister-in-law, wrote on Facebook. “[I gave] her a big hug and gonna miss her so much.”
The police statement read: “Shortly after 9:30pm on April 8, Hay River RCMP responded to a report of an assault with a weapon. The information received was that a female had been stabbed.
“Police attended a residence in the highrise and located the victim, who was receiving CPR from individuals at the residence.
“The female was transported to the HH Williams Memorial Hospital by emergency medical services but was later pronounced deceased.
“Police have located and arrested a suspect. This investigation is ongoing.”
Sabourin’s sister, Nicole, has established an online memorial fund.
“She was loved and remembered by many, and no-one can forget her lovely smile and infectious laugh,” wrote Nicole Sabourin, who says the fund will be used to help family members travel up from the south for the funeral.
Wednesday’s homicide marks the third suspicious death in three years inside the highrise.
Garfield McPherson and Carol Buggins were killed at the apartment building in June 2012.
In March this year, Benedict Corrigal pleaded guilty to second degree murder for Buggins’ death and manslaughter for that of McPherson. He is to be sentenced in May.
