Winnipeg teen dies from stab wounds

Family members and friends of Clark Stevenson, a 15-year-old Winnipeg boy who was stabbed multiple times on Saturday, are now mourning his death.

Family members identifiedthe deceased teenas Stevenson, who was known among friends and family as "Clarky." His death is the city's 30th homicide this year.

"He was just happy. His loved his parents, loved his grandparents, loved his family, his friends," Derek Stevenson, the deceasedteen's cousin, told CBC News on Tuesday.

Police and ambulance crews were dispatched to the intersection of College Avenue and Aikins Street, in the city's North End, around 2:30 a.m.

The boy was with another person when they were approached by a group of males and a fight broke out, police said, noting they believe it is a gang-related attack.

Derek Stevenson said his cousin had quit the gang life, but the lifestyle's drawappeared to be powerful.

"I guess he just needed someone there, and that's when things took off," he said.

No suspects yet

Winnipeg police spokeswoman Const. Natalie Aiken said they have no suspects in custody at this time. She could not say how many people may be responsible for the boy's death.

"Our understanding is that this individual was with another male when they encountered a group of males, so what exactly happened at that time is something we are looking to find out as quickly as we can," Aikentold reporters on Tuesday.

"They have interviewed a number of people. They still are looking to speak with a number of people that they have identified that may have some information."

Anyone who has information about the incident is asked to contact investigators at 204-986-6508 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).

Derek Stevenson said when they were children, he andhiscousin had wanted to become police officers.

"That was like our dream, but things changed," Stevenson said, adding that they "grew up."

Jenna Wirch, a friend of Clark Stevenson's, said she believes a lack of funding for youth programs has failed him and other troubled young people.

"Programs are always shutting down," Wirch said. "What's the point of me going to this program when you're just going to let me go anyways?"

A walk against violence is being organized for Stevenson this week. People will meet at the corner of College and Aikins on Friday at 5 p.m., then walk to the Manitoba legislature downtown.