Homicide victim remembered as kind woman who loved her family, helped those in need

The little sister of Danielle Ballantyne, the woman who was allegedly killed by two teenagers earlier this week, says she was a kind person who loved her family.

Police found the body of Ballantyne, 36, in Point Douglas on Monday around 7 a.m.

BACKGROUND: Second teenager arrested, charged in two ‘random’ homicides: WPS

Officers believe her death was part of a random series of violent attacks perpetrated by two 15-year-old boys.

“Danielle was a one-of-a-kind human and everyone that knew her knew that,” said her sister Lorraine Ballantyne.

She is being remembered as a strong and fierce woman who loved her family dearly.

“She would always be there for her family and for anyone that knew her, her friends, and even strangers she met on the street,” said Lorraine. “Even though she was homeless herself, she’d help out people that were in need.”

Homicide victim Danielle Ballantyne. (Photo provided)

Winnipeg police claim Ballantyne’s death was part of a string of incidents that also involved at least two serious assaults.

On Friday one of the assault victims, 54-year-old Marvin William Felix, died of his injuries in hospital.

Two teenage boys are in custody – with the second one being arrested Friday after Winnipeg police issued a Canada-wide arrest warrant.

They are both facing charges of second-degree murder and aggravated assault.

“All we can do is pray that justice is served,” said Lorraine.

Ballantyne was born in Winnipeg but was from the Misipawistik Cree Nation.

Her obituary describes her as a caring and helpful person who was also a fierce protector of her family.

Lorraine says the loss has been hard on everyone.

“She was always happy to see us, she was a small girl, but no matter how big you were, she’d like pick you up when she’d hug you… she was protective of her family,” she said.

She says there needs to be more supports in place for people who are struggling, saying her older sister tried to get help.

“Danielle has been living here going on 12 years and she was always turned away from resources, she wanted to better herself for herself and her kids.”

On Friday, Const. Dani McKinnon admitted the string of incidents have been hard for the community, and said the crimes are extremely concerning.

“We are rocked by these incidents,” said McKinnon. “It’s shocking that two homicides have happened at the hands of two youths for completely unknown reasons at this time.”