John Paul Ostamas. Photo from Facebook
A member of the Eabametoong First Nation in Ontario is facing murder charges for the deaths of three homeless men, at least two of whom were Native. John Paul Ostamas, 39, was charged with first-degree murder for the deaths of Donald Collins, 65, and Stony Bushie, 48. The victims were brutally attacked in separate incidents in Winnipeg, Manitoba, this past Saturday.
Melvin Monias was killed earlier this month. Photo from Facebook
Ostamas also was charged with second-degree murder for the death of Miles Monias, 37, earlier this month. Monias was from the Garden Hill First Nation in Manitoba.
Stony Bushie was killed over the weekend. Photo courtesy of family
Bushie was from the Little Grand Rapids First Nation in Manitoba. His body was found in an alley behind the headquarters of the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, whose security cameras recorded the attack, CBC News reported. Little has been reported so far about Collins. Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre Inc., a Native organization in Winnipeg, was contacted by family members after posting about him on Facebook so it's possible he was Native as well. Ostamas, like all of the victims, has been described as homeless. He met with a Native woman on Monday -- after the brutal beatings -- to inquire about renting one of rooms in her house, CBC reported. Brenda Sinclair expressed shock when she was told he is facing three murder charges. Get the Story:
John Paul Ostamas of Eabametoong First Nation charged with murder in Winnipeg homeless homicides (CBC 4/28)
Who is John Paul Ostamas, alleged serial killer in Winnipeg deaths? (CBC 4/28)
Case of man accused of Winnipeg murders held over to May (APTN 4/29)
Ostamas tried burning down a Winnipeg hotel, Police say (Global News 4/29)
Donald Collins, Winnipeg homicide victim, had no known family members (CBC 4/29)
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