Slain model was shot, police say

Johnathen James Felix, a 21-year-old model whose body was found in Winnipeg over the weekend, was likely shot to death, according to police.

An exact cause of death has yet to be determined, but it appears Felix suffered an injury "consistent with a gunshot wound," investigators said Monday.

"It's just so shocking to hear what happened to sucha beautiful, bright young man with a future ahead of him.And it's just sad," said Lisa Muswagon, theowner of Native Model Studio, where Felix was launching his modelling career.

Felix's bodywas found in a yard between two houses in the 200 block of Balmoral Street, just south of the University of Winnipeg, on Saturday night.

Family members told CBC News thatFelix had just moved back to Winnipeg from B.C. and had dreams not only of modelling and acting, but of enlisting in the military.

Police said homicide investigators have not ruled out any drug or gang connections.

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