Family of Donald Collins shocked by homicide in Winnipeg

A cousin of Donald Collins says the family could not believe someone would kill him in Winnipeg this past weekend.

The 65-year-old's body was found in an alley near the 300 block of Hargrave Street early Saturday morning. His death was one of two homicides that were discovered in the area that day.

Both homicides involved men who were homeless or spent time on the streets.

"We're very deeply saddened by what has happened to Donnie," Valerie Canfield, a cousin of Collins in Kenora, Ont., told CBC News late Wednesday.

Canfield said Collins spent time between Kenora and Winnipeg, but she couldn't say how long he was in the Manitoba capital. She confirmed that he was homeless.

"We just want to come to terms with it and do the right thing, give him a proper burial, and hope that the person who did this is made to pay for the crime," she said.

It marks the first time a member of Collins's family has spoken out since his death.

Earlier on Wednesday, Winnipeg police told CBC News that since Collins had no known family members, the Public Guardian and Trustee of Manitoba will be his next of kin.

The trustee's office has been notified, a police spokesperson said in an email.

Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre Inc., a resource centre that supports and rebuilds aboriginal families in Winnipeg, had urged anyone who is related to Collins to come forward.

On Wednesday evening, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata officials announced that Collins's family contacted them after hearing about the agency's plea on CBC.

Winnipeg police have charged John Paul Ostamas, 39, with first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Collins and Stony Stanley Bushie, 48.

Ostamas, who was himself homeless, was also charged with second-degree murder in the death of 37-year-old Miles Monias, who was found beaten in a bus shelter on Main Street and Pioneer Avenue on April 10.

Canfield said the family is trying to bring Collins's remains to Kenora to be buried next to his mother's grave.