Victim’s family questions why man charged in fatal stabbing was out on bail

The family of a 22-year-old Winnipeg man who was fatally stabbed in the city’s North End last week is questioning why the accused was out on bail.

Alan Anderson was killed in a dispute and physical altercation between two groups on Burrows Avenue early Tuesday morning, police say.

His girlfriend, who was with him, told CityNews it was a chance interaction that led to a fight, with Anderson attempting to protect her when he was stabbed.

READ: Girlfriend claims 22-year-old died trying to defend her in Winnipeg’s 15th homicide of 2023

Anderson’s loved ones say they are devastated by his death. His aunt Rebecca Ouellette, who has been keeping a sacred fire burning in the young man’s memory, has questions about the accused.

Alan Anderson, 22, victim in fatal stabbing in Winnipeg May 30, 2023. (Submitted by family)

Cory Dylan Watt, 24, has been charged with manslaughter and failure to comply with the condition of a release order in relation to another alleged assault with a weapon from last October.

Ouellette wants to know why the man was out on bail.

“The young man had multiple charges pertaining to violence and weapons, and in my opinion, they should not have been out of jail until those charges had been dealt with,” she said.

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Anderson’s mother Amanda, speaking to CityNews via social media, also shared anger that the accused was “set loose.”

Though she also acknowledged she doesn’t want people to sit in jail awaiting trial, she believes the justice system needs more resources to ensure it can run smoothly and protect the public in the process.

Police say the suspect and victim were not previously known to one another.

“I don’t ever want to see this happen to somebody else’s child, to somebody else’s nephew,” said Ouellette. “I know what this is doing to my family and to Alan’s friends.”

Rebecca Ouellette, aunt of stabbing victim Alan Anderson. (CityNews)

Legislation to reform bail system

The federal government has proposed changes to make it harder for some repeat violent offenders to get bail in Canada.

The legislation currently before Parliament would introduce reverse-onus bail conditions for people charged with serious violent offences involving a weapon, in cases where the person was convicted of a similar violent offence within the last five years.

Prosecutors in such cases would no longer have to show judges why an accused person should stay behind bars. Rather, the accused would have to demonstrate why bail is justified.

Ouellette wants that bill to move forward – and quickly.

“These discussions must come to a head,” she said. “They need to do something to protect the citizens of Winnipeg and everywhere across Canada. We need to protect our young people.”

Alan Anderson, 22, victim in fatal stabbing in Winnipeg May 30, 2023. (Submitted by family)

Ouellette acknowledges her nephew had his struggles, but said before his death, he was trying to do better and preparing to start work with a family member.

“Alan was 22 years old, and he had the rest of his life ahead of him,” said his aunt.

According to his girlfriend, he was getting in touch with his faith and dearly loved those in his life. He’s been described as family-oriented and a defender.

“Anybody needed anything, he was always there,” said Ouellette. “He was there for his cousins, his aunties. For everyone. For anyone that Alan felt love for, he took care of, he was that protector.”

His aunt says messages of support have been pouring in and have been helping as the family mourns.

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