September 2, 2020 Media Release

Homicide – Arrest: C20-168798

Winnipeg Police homicide investigators have laid charges in the death of Valentine Sumner. Sumner was killed on July 18, 2020 outside a bar in the 800 block of Main Street.

Christopher Michael GROZELLE, 26, has been charged with Manslaughter. He had been previously charged on July 24, with Aggravated Assault in relation to the assault on Sumner. Grozelle was detained in custody.

As previously released:

On July 18, 2020, at approximately 2:45 a.m., emergency services personnel responded to a report of a male lying in the roadway on Main Street between Dufferin Avenue and Jarvis Avenue.

A male in his 40s was transported to hospital in critical condition where he was pronounced deceased.

The deceased victim has been identified as Valentine Ernest Sumner, a 41-year-old male of Winnipeg.

Members of the Homicide Unit are continuing with the investigation.

Update:

Investigators have determined the victim was involved in an altercation outside of a hotel/beer vendor in the 800 block of Main Street just before being found. It is believed that there were a number of witnesses to the assault, and investigators would like to speak with anyone that can provide information.

Anyone who may have witnessed the assault is asked to contact the Homicide Unit at 204-986-6508 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).