Archive - 1959
Homicide #??
Victim - Samphir, Joseph (74)
Accused - UNSOLVED
Charge -
In the early evening of Monday December 14th, 1959 around 8:55 p.m., the body of Joseph Samphir, 74 years, was found in the clothing store he owned at 208 Logan Avenue. Mr. Samphir had been bludgeoned to death.
Earlier in the evening, just before 6:00 p.m., Samphir had spoken to his wife on the telephone telling her that he was just closing the store and would be home shortly.
When he had not returned home by 8:00 p.m., the family became worried and feared something terrible had occurred. Mr Samphir's daughter and grandson went over to the store to check on his well being and, upon arrival, found the store to be in darkness, but the front door slightly ajar. Samphir was found dead inside the store in a large pool of blood. It was subsequently determined that he had been struck several times about the head with a blunt instrument.
It appears that Mr Samphir was closing up the store and was in the process of departing when he was attacked as he was found still dressed in his outside overcoat. Robbery is the likely motive as Samphir's wallet was missing. It was discovered, devoid of money, three months later lying on the side of the roadway at the junction of St.Anne's Road and the Trans Canada Highway East.
Joseph Samphir was a hard working, generous man who liked to keep active. He had taken over the store from his brother Jacob when he passed away. Mr. Samphir was survived by his wife and three daughters.
Although the person or persons responsible for the killing of Joseph Samphir would now be elderly or possibly deceased, any one with information pertaining to this murder is encouraged to contact police.
If you have any information about this case, please contact Crime Stoppers at 786-TIPS (8477).
Unsolved Details taken directly from Winnipeg Police Service website.