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Photo by Kevin King / Kevin King/Winnipeg Sun

What is particularly perplexing to investigators is that there is no pattern to the homicides. While at least five of the 10 involved firearms, there appears to be no other common factor, Skrabek said.

“Nothing is really particularly similar that would say, ‘This is leading to an increase in homicides this year,’ ” she said.

“We can’t say this is attributed to any one thing because they are all very different in nature.”

To the head of the police union, the spike in homicides is part of a disturbing increase in calls for service that has his members “run ragged”.

On Sunday morning, there were 120 calls for service in the queue of varying priority waiting to be dispatched. Six years ago, having 40 calls in the queue was considered a very busy night, said Winnipeg Police Association President Maurice Sabourin.

Photo by Kevin King / Kevin King/Winnipeg Sun

“We’ve seen it before where we’ve seen spikes and valleys in incidents that are occurring,” said Sabourin. “But when you look at the calls for service, those have increased dramatically and to me it’s no surprise that we’re seeing an increase in the homicides. There are more firearms on the street and I believe the figure that has been put out is that five of the last eight homicides have involved a firearm.

“I think it’s something that is going to continue but we could experience a lull in the next couple of months. Hopefully that would be the case but unfortunately we don’t have the resources to combat the increase in calls. It’s getting out of hand and our members are being run ragged.”

Police tape surrounded the residence and what appeared to be blood was visible on the snow in front of it. Forensic officers could be seen going in and out of the residence and searching through a nearby garbage bin and a recycling cart.

Police said they have not determined if the victim lived at the residence or why he was there.

This incident is being investigated by members of the Homicide Unit. Police are asking anyone who may have information to call investigators at 204-986-6219 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).

gdawkins@postmedia.com

Twitter: @SunGlenDawkins