MISSING
Amanda Bartlett
AMANDA BARTLETT, aged 17 at time of her disappearance has been missing since 1996.
Amanda was living in The Pas, Manitoba with our mother Helen Lowther. She was somewhat of a free spirit, did what she wanted, when she wanted. She enjoyed reading and being with her friends.
In 1996 Amanda put herself into the care of social services, where she was placed in a group home in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her sister contacted the social workers who have delt with Amanda's case and were told me that Amanda had only been in the group home for a few days, and than left and never returned.
Amanda was last seen in the summer of 1996 by her Uncle Smokie in Winnipeg Manitoba. He said that Amanda looked dirty and rough, like she had been on the streets. He told her to have a shower and he gave her a clean set of clothing. When Amanda was done washing up he told another Uncle that she would be back. She never did return.
Amanda has a lot of family in Winnipeg and not one has seen her since.
Her antie Judy is a doctor in Winnipeg and she reports having seen her in the summer of 1996 as well. Amanda had told her antie that she had plans of heading off to Vancouver.
Amanda has 2 older sisters (Michelle and Iesha), 1 older brother (Christopher) and one younger sister. She was always close with her siblings and her nephews. She was considered "cool" and was the favorite antie. There is no reason for Amanda to not be in contact with any of her family. She always dropped by or called. All her family members have had the same phone numbers since Amanda's disappearabce. Her family just can't understand how someone just dissappears.
Her younger sister has a picture of Amanda in her dining room and looks at it everyday wondering where she is.
Her family needs closure on this. She is loved and missed by everyone.
Amanda would be 30 years old now (2009).
Anyone with knowledge of where Amanda has been since 1996 is asked to contact Cst. Jamie Robertson of The Pas RCMP and he can be reached at 204-627-6200.
UNSOLVED
MISSING
Jennifer Catcheway
JENNIFER LEIGH CATCHEWAY, aged 18 disappeared from Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, on June 19, 2008.
She was supposed to be with her family celebrating her 18th birthday, but never had the chance to see them. Her family had planned a barbecue for her birthday that day in Portage la Prairie.
UNSOLVED
Claudette Osborne
In an e-mail from a man who says he is in an on-again, off-again relationship with the missing woman, Matt Bushby tells CTV News the family is worried because the last conversation anyone had with Osborne dealt with her health.
"She indicated to us that she was hemorrhaging from delivering her baby girl on July 10," Bushy said in the e-mail. "She usually calls to let us know she is ok, but it has been over 14 days since her last call and we are very worried."
Claudette is the mother of four children. Bushby said Claudette was very upset and said she may be suffering from post partum depression and is not thinking clearly.
In a phone interview with CTV News, her sister Tina said Claudette is now a sex trade worker, and she said Claudette has a drug addiction. She last heard from her sister in a series of telephone messages left on her machine overnight two weeks ago. She worries her sister was with a “john” and ran into trouble. “She said she didn’t want to be where she was and wanted someone to go and pick her up,” she said. “I know by the sound of her voice … she was scared.”
The family fears the worst.
“It scares me to think my sister’s out there, like, who knows where she is or what she’s doing?” she said. “I know a lot of sex-trade workers and crack addicts are often found dead, in a garbage bin and — it’s just crazy, like, chopped up somewhere.”
The family hopes anyone with information will provide it to investigators. Claudette Osborne is described as five-foot-seven, weighing about 145 pounds. She has long, black hair and was last seen wearing black pin-striped pants and a black V-necked T-shirt with a ruffled collar.
Helen Betty Osborne, who was kidnapped, sexually assaulted and murdered in The Pas in 1971, was a cousin of Claudette's mother. Her slaying ignited a powder keg in The North as justice for her death was unforgivably delayed.
And then, 30 years later, there was another family slaying. Felicia Solomon, a distant cousin to Claudette Osborne, disappeared in Winnipeg in 2003. The Norway House girl was attending school in the city when she vanished. Her severed arm and leg were eventually recovered from the Red River. She was identified by a DNA test. Her murder was never solved.
Then, last March, the trans sister of Helen Betty Osborne became Winnipeg's sixth homicide victim of 2008. Calvin Osborne, 42, was assaulted in a ground-floor suite at 661 Broadway and later died. A 56-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder.
Claudette's mother, just wants people to know that while her daughter was aboriginal, a sex-trade worker and a drug addict, she was still loved by her family and that they must locate her, even if it's to face the cold truth of her death.
When Brenda Osborne make those points -- that her aboriginal, street-involved daughter is still worthy of love and concern -- she's proving that the scars left from Helen Betty Osborne's murder haven't healed. Claudette Osborne isn't a disposable woman. She won't be forgotten. They won't let her be.
Anyone with information on Osborne’s whereabouts is asked to contact the missing persons unit at (204) 986-6050 or the police non-emergency line at (204) 986-6222.
UNSOLVED
MISSING
Annie Yassie
Annie's DOB is July 27, 1960, she is described as Aboriginal, 5'4, 104 lbs, black hair, brown eyes.
At the time of her disappearance she was wearing Brown shoes 3" heel, Blue denim jacket, and blue jeans.
Anyone with information on Annie's whereabouts or information about her disappearance is asked to contact Winnipeg RCMP at (204) 983-5461.
UNSOLVED
MISSING
Nancy Dumas
NANCY DUMAS, aged 78, of Lynn Lake, MB, has been missing since February 28, 1987 when she told her daughter she was going to find friends and left her daughters residence. Police and community searches for DUMAS met with negative results.
Nancy is described as Aboriginal, 5'4 inches tall, weighing 125 lbs. She has black hair and brown eyes. Nancy was last seen wearing white runners, beige coat, and blue pants.
Anyone with information about Nancy's whereabouts is asked to contact Winnipeg RCMP at (204) 983-5461.
UNSOLVED
Maggie Mink
Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact Vancouver Police Services. Incident Number: 88-105744
UNSOLVED
MURDERED
Gail Patricia Watt
Gordon William Pritschau, has been chargedwith manslaughter.
MISSING
Emily Norma Ballantyne
She left her five children with her sister, saying she was going to go to BINGO. A police investigation revealed that BALLANTYNE had departed Lynn Lake Manitoba with two male companions, their destination being Thompson Manitoba. The trio arrived in Thompson late on the night of April 27th where they went their separate ways. One of her male companions reported seeing BALLANTYNE in Thompson on either Sunday or Monday afternoon. BALLANTYNE has not been located and her whereabouts remain unknown.
At the time of her disappearance, Emily was
Height: 5'5" (165.1cm)
Weight: 128lbslbs (58.06kgs)
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Distinguishing Features: Left middle fingernail missing, tattoo on left thumb "EB"
Clothing Worn at time of disappearance: White jacket with blue and pink design, white sweater and blue denim pants
Emily’s date of birth is November 17, 1966.
File #: MB10033 1992-484 MB10067 1992-4852 Agency: RCMP
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of this person please contact one of the following agencies:
Winnipeg RCMP Cold Case Unit at (204) 983-5461 or email: ddiv_contact@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
UNSOLVED
MISSING
Cynthia Albena Audy
At the time of her disappearance, she was described as:
Height: 5'8" (172.72cm)
Weight: 161lbslbs (73.02kgs)
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Brown
Distinguishing Features: Right cheek near eye - heart tattoo, Pierced ears, Scar on her shoulders, Right hand -Cynthia, Left hand -Nathan, Left ankle -Pray for Me, Left hand -Amber, Left hand -heart, Left wrist -heart, Right wrist -Steven, Left forearm -Panther picture
Clothing Worn at time of disappearance: Red padded bra, Black blazer, Blue jeans, Blue jean purse, Black Fila runners, Gold link watch File #: MB30038 R07*73110 Agency: Winnipeg Police Service
If you have any information please contact one of the following agencies:
Winnipeg Police Service Cold Case Unit at (204) 986-6245 or email: WPS-missingpersons@winnipeg.ca
Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
UNSOLVED
MISSING
Elizabeth Mary Dorion
At the time of her disappearance, Elizabeth was described as Aboriginal, Height: 5'4" (162.56cm) Weight: 150lbslbs (68.04kgs) Hair Color: Black Eye Color: Brown Distinguishing Features: Scar on left cheek, forearms and wrists Clothing Worn at time of disappearance: Button sweater, t-shirt, jogging pants File #: MB10025 1999-1305 MB20004 1999-4451 Agency: RCMP
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of this person please contact one of the following agencies:
Winnipeg RCMP Cold Case Unit at (204) 983-5461 or by email at email: ddiv_contact@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
UNSOLVED
MISSING
Katy Lynn Mitchell
At the time of her disappearance, Katy Lynn was described as Aboriginal, Height: Unknown (Unknown) Weight: Unknown (Unknown) Hair Color: Unknown Eye Color: Unknown Distinguishing Features: Unknown Clothing Worn at time of disappearance: Unknown
File #: MB10101 99-1214 MB10067 99-5295 Agency: RCMP
Anyone with information is asked to notify:
Winnipeg Police Service Cold Case Unit at (204) 986-6245 email: WPS-missingpersons@winnipeg.ca or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
UNSOLVED
MISSING
Irma Lynn Murdock
At the time of her disappearance, Irma was described as Aboriginal, Date of Birth: 1967-08-12 Race: Aboriginal Gender: Male Height: 5'2" (157.48cm) Weight: 131lbslbs (59.42kgs) Hair Color: Black Eye Color: Brown Distinguishing Features: 1 inch square scar on right forearm, 3 inch scar on left forearm, pierced ears, Tattoos: heart on left hand, rose on upper back, CT on chest, SEXY on right calf, HE and RUS on left calf Clothing Worn at time of disappearance: Unknown
File #: MB30038 R04*90154 Agency: Winnipeg Police Service
Anyone with information on her disappearance is asked to notify Winnipeg Police Service Cold Case Unit at (204) 986-6245 email: WPS-missingpersons@winnipeg.ca or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
UNSOLVED
MURDERED
Jaylene Lindsay Crane
JAYLENE LINDSAY CRANE, aged 19, of Winnipeg Manitoba, died of multiple stab wounds at a residence located at the rear of 776 Ellice Avenue.
The Winnipeg Police Service Homicide Unit investigation has led to the arrest of Daniel Thomas Johnson, 18 years of age, of Winnipeg. Johnson has been charged with First Degree Murder. The investigation is continuing and the Winnipeg Police Service requests anyone who may have heard of seen anything to contact police at 986-6508 or Crime Stoppers at 786-TIPS (8477
MISSING
Judy Young
Judy Young's family has indicated that she may be associating with individuals who are involved in criminal activity.
Judy Young in described as, Aboriginal, 40 years of age, 5'4”, 131 pounds, with curly long brown hair and brown eyes. The Winnipeg Police Service is asking anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Judy Young to contact the Missing Persons Unit at 986-6250 or your local Police agency.
MURDERED
Phoenix Sinclair
The remains of Phoenix Sinclair were found in April, 2006. She had been missing for nine months before anyone reported her missing.
Phoenix was in and out of the child welfare system for most of her life.
She was murdered three months after her case was closed with CFS.
Nine foster children were murdered in Manitoba last year and a total of 31 children in care have been killed since 2000
Phoenix Victoria Sinclair has been missing since June, 2005. Court documents indicate police believe the little girl was abused, confined and eventually killed in June 2005 on the First Nation.
Mounties have been searching for the body of Phoenix Sinclair soon after receiving information they believe may lead them to the exact location where she was unceremoniously dumped in June, 2005.
"Through our investigation we have identified a location of interest," said Sgt. Steve Colwell, a spokesman for Manitoba RCMP. "We're going to be searching for the body of Phoenix Sinclair in the next few days."
Colwell would not say how Mounties pinpointed the location, or where it is.
It's widely believed, though, the little girl's body was wrapped in plastic and disposed of somewhere in a garbage dump on the Fisher River Cree Nation, a community about 150 km north of Winnipeg, where she was allegedly killed by her mother and mother's boyfriend in June, 2005.
RCMP charged Samantha Dawn Kematch, 24 and her common-law husband, Karl Wesley McKay, with first-degree murder charges in the death of the Kematch's five-year-old daughter, Phoenix Victoria Sinclair.
Winnipeg resident Carl Wesley McKay, 43, was charged with second-degree murder in connection to Phoenix's death.
McKay was the boyfriend of Phoenix's mother 24-year-old Samantha Dawn Kematch.
Kematch was also charged with aggravated assault, forcible confinement and failure to provide the necessities of life.
CTV's Kelly Dehn reported that the girl's family moved from the reserve to Winnipeg in November, 2005.
The woman who cared for Phoenix on and off for the first three years of her life told CTV News she would have happily cared for the child for longer if she could have. Kim Edwards said she became the little girl's permanent foster mother after she was bounced from home to home. Two years ago, Phoenix's mother allegedly took her daughter and Edwards said she never saw the little girl again.
"I am beyond grieving now. ...I know she's in a better place," Edwards said.
"I know she is with Jesus and no one's ever going to exploit her or hurt her or do anything to make her sad ever again, so I am done with the grieving. I am angry now ... and I want answers."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the RCMP.
Heaven Traverse
She was in a foster home at the time of her death.
Heaven and her five siblings were in a foster home at the time of her death.
The little girl, Lawrence Traverse's youngest child, was walking and talking when she was taken into Child and Family Services' custody in February 2004.
"She was always happy, always smiling, a cheerful baby," Lawrence Traverse, told the Sun yesterday. "She knew little words, like mom and dad."
Heaven died days before she was supposed to be returned home to Fisher River -- the same reserve where five-year-old Phoenix Sinclair was killed.
"My daughter, when she died in hospital, she was black and blue," Lawrence said. "I checked her out. Under her diaper was bruised, her foot was bruised, her legs were bruised, her chest. At the night of the funeral wake, we had to have a headband over her head because a bruise was coming out."
Mr. Traverse, Heaven's father, believes his baby was abused while in the care of the child-welfare system.
Traverse told CBC News he saw unexplained bruises he saw on Heaven on several occasions while she was in the care of a foster family – and he said he raised concerns about his daughter's care with child-welfare authorities.
No one has been charged in Heaven's death.
UNSOLVED
MURDERED
Paige Lektra Merrick-Klyne
Paige, who was born on January 21st 2004, was residing with her mother, Lenora Klyne, her brother and her step father, Gabriel Smoke.
Two autopsies have led RCMP to conclude a Portage la Prairie man killed his girlfriend’s child and then hung himself early Monday morning in the couple’s home on Tupper Street North.
“The RCMP believe Gabriel Smoke killed the baby and then took his own life,” said RCMP spokesman Sgt. Steve Colwell. “He was the one responsible.”
Colwell said RCMP do not suspect anyone else was involved in the incident. An autopsy conducted on the body of the 21-month-old girl, Paige Merrick, determined she died as a result of internal blood loss, which was “caused by severe blunt force trauma to her abdomen,” a police press release said. Smoke’s autopsy confirmed his death was a suicide by hanging.
At approximately 3 a.m. on Monday, Portage RCMP received a call from Merrick’s mother, Lenora Klyne. After arriving at the duplex, police and paramedics found the man and girl dead.
Violet Merrick, Paige’s grandmother, who was notified of the deaths at approximately 4 a.m. on Monday, was shocked by the news.
“I was in shock and I freaked out,” she said yesterday afternoon. That later turned to anger, when Merrick was informed Smoke, 26, had killed her granddaughter.
“We are feeling very, very angry. How could someone do that to an innocent child?” she said. Merrick had been watching Paige on Sunday and dropped her off at home at about 5 p.m. that evening.
“She didn’t seem very happy to go home when I took her home,” said Merrick. “She was crying. She wanted me to take her. She didn’t want to go into the house with her mother.”
Merrick described her little granddaughter as a “happy little girl. “She loved being with us and she came for the weekends. She was her dad’s little girl,” she said.
“She loved me reading her books. She was beginning to talk and say words,” she said. Violet Merrick said her family is taking the death very hard. “But we’re all together now. And we had friends drop by, so it’s very comforting that they come around,” she said.
When reached on the telephone, Paige’s mother did not want to comment yesterday. Paige’s father, Terry Merrick, 22, also declined to comment yesterday. Smoke’s family said he, too, was close to Paige and could not understand how this could happen.
“He was a really loving person. He loved his children. He loved his nieces and nephews. He treated (Paige) like she was his own,” said Crystal Hapa, Smoke’s cousin.
“It was a big shock because Gabriel wasn’t that kind of person to take his own life,” said Faith Smoke, Gabriel’s sister.
Several of Smoke’s family members gathered yesterday in a home on the tiny Dakota Plains First Nation 30 kilometres southwest of Portage, where Smoke was raised. Many said they were still in shock over the incident.
They remembered Smoke as a loving man who was known for his hockey skills. “People called him the next Wayne Gretzky when he was little. He was trying to be somebody someday,” Faith said, noting he was going to school to finish his Grade 12 education.
He and Klyne, who also has a young son from another relationship, had been together about four months, she said.
Paige has been buried at Merrick Cemetary, Long Plains First Nation.
MURDERED
Jocelyn "Chippy" McDonald
JOCELYN 'CHIPPY' MCDONALD , aged 16 of Minaki , Manitoba, on October 16-17th, 2000.
Jocelyn's body was found March 28, 2001 in the rocky brush at 39A Cambrian Dr. She had been missing since Oct. 20, 2000 when she failed to return to her home in Minaki. When her body was found, it was about 50 meters from the apartment where witnesses said she had attended a party after she was first reported missing.
James Oliver Kakegamic, a 24-year-old Winnipeg man and former Kenora resident, was charged with the first degree murder of Jocelyn in October, 2002. He remains in custody awaiting trial.
Results of a post-mortem conducted at the Forensic Pathology Unit in Toronto have never been released. Police have still not said how she died.
As a seven-year-old, Jocelyn rescued her cousin, who was five, from the home of the man who had abducted her.
Hailed as a hero for her actions, she received the Star of Courage from former governor general Ray Hnatyshyn in June of 1993. At the time, she was the youngest person ever to receive the award for bravery since the decorations were instituted by Queen Elizabeth in 1972.
MURDERED
Glenda Morriseau
After nearly a month of searching, Glenda’s partially naked and battered body was discovered on Wednesday, August 7, 1991, in a St. Boniface industrial area, about five kilometers from where she was last seen. Her body was located near the end of Youville Street near the Seine River between some large wooden beams and poles in a field used by a local firm for storing heavy equipment. She was found by one of the employees of the company who notified the police.
As it appeared that her body had been in the field for some time, the cause of death was not easily determinable. However, there was considerable damage to her facial area including fractured cheekbones, a broken jaw and a fractured eye socket. As such she may have died as a result of massive trauma to the head inflicted by a large blunt object. Furthermore, it is believed that the assault happened elsewhere and that her body was just dumped where it was found to delay discovery.
When she was found, Glenda was wearing only a T-shirt, jacket and socks. She had no clothing on the lower part of her body. As her pants and underwear were not found at the scene, it supports the theory that she was killed elsewhere and merely dumped between the beams and poles to hide her body. It also suggests that the killing was sexually motivated and that the inside of the suspect’s vehicle would have been covered in GLenda's blood.
Although there were suggestions that Glenda was a prostitute, there is no evidence that this was true. However, she did enjoy drinking, parties and was known to be flirtatious with older men if they would buy her drinks. As such, someone she was flirting with at the bar may have misunderstood her intentions. This person may have been someone Glenda met before or after leaving the Stock Exchange Hotel, or someone who picked her up while hitch-hiking the morning she disappeared (possibly someone from the hotel).
Unfortunately, as she was last seen hitch-hiking and because her body was not discovered for nearly a month, investigators were hampered in their abilities to solve this crime as Glenda's activities immediately prior to her death were not easy to establish. However, it is believed that she was killed on or about July 17, 1991, shortly after she was last seen on Logan Avenue.
It is believed that the vehicle used by the killer, even if cleaned would still have traces of Glenda’s blood in the fibres. The killer may have disposed of the vehicle shortly after the murder, however anyone with information identifying the suspect and this vehicle should contact the police. It is believed the killer would have been familiar with the St. Boniface area. It is possible the vehicle used had light yellow seat covers.
If you have any information about this case, please contact Crime Stoppers at 786-8477 or Constable John Burchill at jburchil@city.winnipeg.mb.ca
UNSOLVED
MURDERED
Christina Littlejohn
In 1968, Christina Littlejohn was last seen with her then common-law husband Eddie Smith, then 35-years-old, on the Roseau River First Nation. Christina was seen walking into a bush area with Smith after a drinking party.
For years, she was not heard from and family and friends assumed she had left the volatile relationship with Smith and moved to the United States to live with relatives there.
In January of 1976, a community leader contacted the RCMP in Emerson to ask that the police look into Christina's disappearance. For the next roughly two years, investigators searched out potential witnesses and tried to sort out fact from fiction in speaking with people who were trying to recall events from at least 8 years previous. At that time, although suspicions were raised, Christina's body was never found and an arrest was not made.
Again in 1990, the file was actively investigated and again suspicions raised but not enough for an arrest.
In December of 1995, authority was received from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to declare Christina Littlejohn dead.
In January of 2002, despite little information having come forward on this case since 1990, Cst. Len Clace reopened the investigation. He contacted Cpl. Harvey MacLeod of the Cold Case Unit at 'D' Division Headquarters and after reviewing the file, they both agreed to give it another try. On December 18th, 2002 Eddie Smith, 69 yrs, was arrested in Emerson, Manitoba where he now lives and was charged with Second Degree Murder in the death of Christina Littlejohn in the summer of 1968.
MURDERED
Constance Lynne Cameron
A few days later, on Monday August 6, 1984, her body was found in a Fort Garry field off Parker Avenue near the CNR “Rivers” Mainline. A passerby out for a walk observed her body in the field and notified the police. The cause of death was determined to be manual strangulation.
Constance's body was found face down with her arms stretched over her head. A black tank top, which she had been wearing, was rolled up to her neck suggesting that her body had been dragged to this location. This was consistent with the fact that the bottoms of her socks were clean and free of dirt and leaves, indicating that she had not walked to this location.
Neither of her shoes or her purse were found with the body and it is believed that they were left behind in the suspect’s vehicle where she may have met her death.
Since Constance was not seen alive after being dropped off on Higgins Avenue it is believed that she died that day, possibly at the hands of one of her customers.
In an ironic twist of fate, her body was found almost one year to the day and less than 100 meters from the body of another part-time prostitute. On August 15, 1983, the body of Marie Edith Banks was found in a field on the other side of the CNR tracks from where she was found. She too was last seen in the downtown area of Winnipeg and had died as a result of manual strangulation.
It is unknown if these two deaths are related as the access roads to these areas by vehicle are a considerable distance apart and it may (or may not) only be a coincidence as to the time and location of their bodies.
If you have any information about this case, please contact Crime Stoppers at 786-8477 or Constable John Burchill at jburchil@city.winnipeg.mb.ca.
UNSOLVED
MURDERED
Jackaleen Dyck
JACKALEEN PATRICIA DYCK , aged 23 years old, recently separated and living alone with her two small children in a house at 240 Bowman Avenue. On the evening of Friday, October 3, 1980, she decided to go out with her sister, her brother-in-law and a friend to Assiniboia Downs. The group departed at 7:30 p.m. and Jackaleen left her two children in the care of a nephew who was staying with her for the weekend.
Jackaleen and her friend returned home from Assiniboia Downs at about 10:45 p.m. and they stayed up until midnight watching a movie with her nephew. After the movie was over her nephew went to bed, Jackaleen talked with her sister on the phone about coming over the next morning, and then she went to bed as well. Her friend also stayed over that night, falling asleep on the couch.
At 4:00 a.m., Saturday, October 4, 1980, the tranquility of the house was disturbed when Jackaleen’s friend heard her frantic calls for help and saw a shadowy figure (possibly male) flee out the back door of the house from Jackaleen’s bedroom. On attending to her bedroom the friend found that Jackaleen had been stabbed numerous times (28 in total) and was bleeding profusely. Winnipeg Ambulance was summoned, and arrived shortly thereafter. Jackaleen was transported in life threatening condition to the Health Sciences Centre where she succumbed to her injuries a short time later.
In the weeks prior to her death, Jackaleen had been the target of other criminal acts including damage to her house and vehicle, and she was receiving harassing phone calls as well. While it was speculated that the murder might have been related to Jackaleen’s marital break-up, her ex-husband was living nearly 800 kilometers away in Saskatoon at the time. Regardless, since there was no sign of any other offence being committed, based on the recent attacks to her property, the harassing phone calls, and the severity of the attack, it appears that the crime was very personal in nature and directed specifically towards Jackaleen.
Although the security chain for the back door was torn from it’s mounting, suggesting forced entry, it is unlikely that this was a random attack and it is believed that Jackaleen probably knew her killer, or knew of them.
If you have any information about this case, please contact Crime Stoppers at 786-8477 or Constable John Burchill at jburchil@city.winnipeg.mb.ca.
UNSOLVED
MURDERED
Velicia Solomon Osborne
Although called "Felicia" by her friends, her correct name was Velicia Solomon Osborne, was a relative of Helen Betty Osborne, a 19 year old Cree woman who was brutally raped and murdered in The Pas, Manitoba.
Sadly, on June 11, 2003, members of the Winnipeg Police Service River Patrol located a human body part in the Red river.
On June 16, 2003 another human body part was discovered by a member of the public near the riverbank of the Red River.
Police undertook an investigation and both parts were sent for forensic analysis, where they were identified through DNA as being that of Felicia.
Any information regarding this investigation can be directed to the Homicide Unit at 986-6508 or Crimestoppers 786-8477.
UNSOLVED
MURDERED
Amanda Cook
Amanda lived with her parents, her brother and nephew on the Waywayseecappo Reserve located just outside Rossburn, Manitoba. On Saturday, July 13, 1996, her mother drove her father, her brother, her nephew, and the deceased to the Harvest Festival Fair which was being held that weekend in Rossburn, Manitoba. Mrs. Cook dropped them off about 9:00 a.m. They attended the pancake breakfast and, thereafter, walked over to the fair grounds. Upon entry they walked around the grounds for a while and then Mr. Cook went and sat in the bleachers at the horse race track to watch the races. In the afternoon, there was both quarterhorse racing and thoroughbred racing. In the early evening, chuckwagon races were held. Mr. Cook says he stayed in the bleachers throughout the afternoon and early evening watching the races, while the kids walked around the fairgrounds and midway. Amanda came to see him from time to time throughout the day to obtain money so that she could presumably go on some midway rides, buy some snacks or food and do those things generally which young children do at a summer fair.
Mr. Cook testified that the last time he saw Amanda was approximately 6:30 or 7:00 p.m., when the chuckwagon races were just about to start. He says he left the bleachers as soon as the chuckwagon races ended and immediately saw the boys, but not Amanda. They then walked around the fairgrounds for a short while looking for Amanda, but did not find her. He concluded that she must have got a ride home with someone else and, accordingly, they left the fairgrounds without her and were driven home.
Amanda's body was found on July 17, 1996. She had been beaten to death.
Clayton George Mentuck, who was at the Rossburn Fair on July 13, 1996. At that time he, too, was living at the Waywayseecappo Reserve. The accused's father lived on the Birdtail Sioux Reserve, which was about an hour's drive from Waywayseecappo, and his mother lived on the Waywayseecappo Reserve. But on July 13, 1996, and for approximately two to three weeks before, the accused had been living with his aunt, Evangeline Tanner, and her family. He had apparently showed up at their home without them expecting him and with nothing but the clothes on his back. He proceeded to stay with them as though he were part of their family, wearing clothes of his cousins as may be required. This apparently was not unusual, he having done it in the past.
There is evidence that he was with the deceased from time to time throughout the day at the fair, although the evidence does not indicate that he was with her on a one-on-one basis or for any prolonged period, but rather that they were in each other's company along with other children from time to time throughout the day. The accused returned to his aunt's home on the evening of July 13, stayed overnight and returned to the fair the next day, July 14. Indeed, he continued to live at his aunt's until July 17.
The accused, his aunt and family heard details of the death of Amanda Cook and the location of her body on the 6:00 p.m. T.V. news and, after supper, the accused and two of his cousins went to visit their grandmother who lived approximately five minutes away on the Reserve. The two cousins returned home; the accused did not. He did not tell his aunt that he would not be returning to her home, he simply left. He went to Birdtail Sioux Reserve for a few days but then left, hitchhiking. He was seen a short time later in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, and thereafter headed out to Vancouver. He returned in early September 1996 and was arrested on September 11.
Evidence strongly suggests that Amanda Cook was seen alive at the fairgrounds at about 8:00 p.m. and that the accused arrived at his aunt's home, where he was staying, at about 9:00 p.m.
Despite alleged confessions, the accused was found not guilty.
To read trial report Click Here and Here
UNSOLVED
MURDERED
Noreen Taylor
NOREEN TAYLOR, aged 32 on August 15, 2001,found lying on Ham Street between Cordite and Grassie Road, just off Lagimodiere Boulevard. She was clothed only in a shirt and was naked from the waist down. Her pants, underwear and shoes were never recovered.
The cause of death was massive head and internal injuries consistent with being pushed from, jumping out of, or falling from a fast moving vehicle. Robbery is not a motive as her purse, containing money, was found in tact with her body.
UNSOLVED
MURDERED
Honey Joy McKay
Her body was found by a local resident near a house along the shore of the Berens River. She was taken to the nursing station however was pronounced dead a short time later.
The following day, Blaine Everette,aged 31, was taken into custody and has since been charged with the death of Honey Joy McKay. It is believed the two knew each other.
MURDERED
Eileen Bradburn
After the older daughter and her mother ( Mrs. Crane ) went to bed, Mr. Crane attempted to keep Eileen awake by beating her. He kicked her, burned her with cigarettes and punched her. She apparently was unconcscious but told him in Cree to "stop it". He continued beating her and then urinated on her hair and kicked her a few more times in the face.
t some point Mrs. Crane and her daughter woke up and began partying again. They ignored Eileen who lay bloodied on the floor.
At some point the Crane's decided to go party elsewhere. Again Jeffrey Crane attempted to wake up Eileen by stepping on her feet and telling her to get up.
Around 2am the 20 year old daughter returned home to get a jacket to sell at a bar for more alcohol and it is reported that Eileen Bradburn asked her to please call an ambulance. Instead, the daughter gave her a glass of water, a pillow and a face cloth.
The following morning the 12 year old found her parents passed out at their friends house and asked them what had happened but was unable to arouse them. She then went and called police.
The autopsy disclosed a number of injuries, including swelling and bruising to the face, legs and knee, and cuts to the upper and lower legs. The cause of death was the blunt impact trauma to the head causing a subdural hematoma and bleeding to the brain. Neither counsel could indicate what, if any, effect the prompt treatment of the injuries might have had, but it is also clear that being left injured and untreated on the floor overnight did not optimize her chance of survival.
Jeffrey Crane, 37, is a member of the Oxford House First Nation who had lived in Winnipeg for a dozen years prior to February 2002. He has fathered seven children who ranged in age from nine years to twenty years at the time of the incident, his eldest daughter Melanie being one of his drinking companions that evening.
He is no stranger to the criminal justice system, with a related record for violence commencing with a conviction for assault causing bodily harm in Thompson in January of 1983 for which he received a four-month jail sentence. Over the next eighteen-year period concluding in October of 2001 he was convicted of numerous other offences. These included fourteen related offences involving assaults, for which he received jail sentences, ranging from simple assault to assault peace officer, assault causing bodily harm and assault with a weapon. In 1992 he received a two-year sentence for two robberies.
The significance of this prior record is of course that it disentitles Mr. Crane to leniency from the court.
Ms. Bradburn had five children ranging from ages 5 - 26.
Mr. Crane plead guilty to manslaughter sparing his 12 year old daughter from having to testify against him.
The Bradburn family relayed to the court that this was all the result of alcoholism on all parts and did not believe it was a malicious attack, but one made while under the influence of alcohol. Due to their intoxicated state, neither Mr. or Mrs. Crane, or the 20 year old daughter appeared to know Ms. Bradburn was seriously hurt.
Mr. Crane was sentenced to 8 years incarceration for second degree manslaughter, with two years already served while awaiting appeal on his prior sentence.
MURDERED
Cheryl Duck
The last known movements of Cheryl DUCK are somewhat cloudy, however it is believed she had been out with her sister frequenting the Main Street bar area during the late evening and early morning hours shortly before her body was found. There was some speculation that Cheryl DUCK worked as a prostitute, however this has never been confirmed. Nevertheless she may have been picked up by someone in the Main Street area during the early morning hours of December 5th and driven to the Ritchie Street area where she was assaulted and left to fend for herself.
Whether or not Cheryl DUCK worked as a prostitute, the area where she was found was not a known location for prostitutes to take their clients. As such this area may hold some meaning to the killer (i.e.: he lived/worked nearby or took other girlfriends/prostitutes here). There is no indication that a sexual assault occurred, however several biological samples were recovered from the crime scene which may hold a clue as to his identity.
Anyone with information Please contact Detective Sergeant John Burchill at Winnipeg PD.
UNSOLVED
MURDERED
Doreen LeClair
On the night of February 16, 2000, these two sisters were murdered. It was a big story, especially because they called police and 911 five times over eight hours to get help.
Police responded to the first call and to the last call, when they found the women had been stabbed to death inside Leclair's home in Winnipeg's North End, a predominantly working-class part of the city with a large aboriginal population.
Less than 24 hours later, William Dunlop, McKeown's former boyfriend, was arrested. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, and is serving a life sentence with no possibility of parole for 17 years.
In May 2001, a Manitoba judge released audio tapes of the women's calls to police, after broadcast media argued they should be heard by the public.
When the tapes were released, Winnipeg's police association said the public would realize how difficult the job of a 911 operator is. Instead, the release sparked an outcry. Aboriginal groups said if the calls had come from non-aboriginal women or from a wealthier part of town, police would have arrived promptly. Women's groups noted McKeown had a restraining order against Dunlop that was supposed to be backed up with "zero tolerance" police protection.
THE TAPES:
The first call: The first time the women phone 911, the call is disconnected. When the operator phones back, one of the women says someone had been shot. Police are dispatched to the address, but Dunlop gives a fake name and McKeown makes no complaint.
The second call: The women are instructed to phone the police directly.
The third call: The women report McKeown has been stabbed by a man violating a restraining order. The operator tells them to solve the problem themselves, and says they are partly to blame.
The fourth call: It's harder to understand the sisters, although one can be heard saying "please help me." The operator promises to send police, but no car is dispatched.
The fifth and final call: When a 911 operator answers, faint sounds from one or both of the sisters are drowned out by barking dogs. The operator hangs up and dials the house. William Dunlop answers the phone and tries to convince the operator everything is fine. It is now believed that both women are dying, or dead, while he talks. The operator sends a car to the house, but the sisters succumb to their stab wounds before police arrive.
The inquest Within hours of the murders, the police began an internal investigation.
However, information on what actually took place the night of the murders was not immediately forthcoming from the police, and advocacy groups supporting women and aboriginal people, as well as officials from various levels of government, began calling for an independent inquest.
Manitoba's provincial Justice Department ordered an independent review of the police's internal investigation. Norman Inkster, a retired RCMP commissioner, reported that the police investigation was conducted in a "thorough, objective and professional manner."
In May 2001, Manitoba's chief medical examiner called an inquest. That inquest began in December 2001.
Testimony at the inquest suggested Winnipeg 911 operators need more training to deal with domestic disputes and need to be monitored more closely.
Witnesses testified that there was a break down in communications between different 911 operators. The operator who answered the fourth call didn't know that anyone had been stabbed or that there had been a violation of a restraining order.
Judge Judith Webster released a 164-page report on the inquiry in October 2002. She made 62 recommendations, including a key recommendation on staffing levels and morale in police communications.
"There was an apparent perception that nothing was being done by middle management and the Winnipeg Police Service executive with respect to staffing levels," Webster said in her report.
"This obviously added to the angst of communications staff and potentially impacted on their performance."
MURDERED
Corrine McKeown
NOTE NO CHARGES WERE LAID AGAINST THE 9-11 OPERATORS
MURDERED
Therena Adelin Marsland (nee Silva)
Therena, the mother of two young sons, aged 11 and 15, was one of several women ( 13 )involved in the sex trade who have died in Winnipeg since 1983. Eleven of those deaths were homicide yet only one case resulted in a murder charge.
Geraldine Silva wouldn't say how her daughter ended up hooking in Winnipeg out of fear the information may hamper the police investigation. "Let's just put it this way, it was not by her choice," Geraldine said.
"Therena was a very sweet young lady. She had a very gentle touch," Geraldine said. "She never had an enemy. Everybody that knew her loved her. "And she was a good mom. For all the things these babies have been through, they're good well-mannered children."br>
But Geraldine believes her daughter may have been too trusting for Winnipeg's mean streets.
Therena's sister has written email to author of this website denying Therena was a sex trade worker.
Police have not released autopsy reports or information to Therena's family as of yet.
Geraldine Silva, Therena's mother, vows she won't rest until her daughter's killer is behind bars.
Geraldine Silva is a health care aid who works in palliative care.
"I have a mission in life," Geraldine Silva, 58, told The Sun yesterday from her home in North Vancouver. "Nobody's going to take my child and so horrifically damage her and take her life and leave her children orphaned like that. I'm going to do everything possible to have this person found."
Therena's family believes she was beaten to death."My daughter didn't choose to die," she said. "She had every right to still be alive, to grow old and to see her grandchildren."
"She was very naive," Geraldine admitted. "She took people at face value. That's probably her downfall."
Therena, who was married for 10 years, did some modelling in Toronto, her mom said. She also worked as a chambermaid and waitress in Kingston, and volunteered with the elderly in B.C., she added.
Her family last heard from her April 29, 2002, when she made a "very strange phone call" to her older sister in Abbotsford, B.C., Geraldine recalled.
"She was crying," Geraldine said, adding Therena spoke cautiously as if someone else was with her. "The last thing she said to her sister was to take care of her babies and then the phone went dead. That was it."
Born Aug. 25, 1966, Therena also leaves to mourn her 71-year-old father Jim, an older brother, two older sisters and an older half-brother.
Two trust funds -- one for Therena's children and another for costs associated with helping to find her killer -- have been set up. Donations may be made in care of the family's lawyer: John S. Piamonte; Suite 404, 555 6th Street; New Westminster, B.C.; V5L 5H1.
Therena's mother built a memorial at the site where her daughter's body was located, which included pictures, a cross and a native carving. The memorial was vandalized and the carving stolen. She will be replacing the memorial. ANYONE WITH ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THE MURDER OF THERENA AND/OR THE VANDALISM OF THE MEMORIAL ARE ASKED TO NOTIFY WINNIPEG POLICE ASAP.
There is a $5000 reward for the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Therena's murder.
PHOTO OF MEMORIAL
MURDERED
Beatrice Sinclair
It appeared that Ms. Sinclair, a resident of Burrows Avenue in the north end of Winnipeg, had been conveyed to this area and her naked body dumped down the south bank of the floodway at which time she sustained minor injuries to her head. It would then appear that her body was dragged from this position to a point some 60 feet down the bank and under the bridge, causing scrapes and abrasions to her chest and abdomen.
Pathology reports suggest that Ms. Sinclair had a blood alcohol level of .288 and that she had died sometime earlier that day. While her injuries were not serious enough to cause death, she was left on her back laying downhill and natural secretions apparently choked her and she died of asphyxia. Nevertheless, whoever took her clothes and dragged her body beneath the bridge contributed significantly to her death.
Ms. Sinclair was last seen alive by her sister at 11:30 p.m. the previous evening (May 13, 1974) at the Occidental Hotel in downtown Winnipeg. It would appear that she was driven to this location, however there have been no leads in this case. Ms. Sinclair’s clothing has never been recovered.
If you have any information about this case, please contact
Crime Stoppers at 786-8477 or Detective Sergeant John Burchill WPS
UNSOLVED
MURDERED
Cassandra Coralee Thomas
CASSANDRA CORALEE THOMAS, aged 23 months, of Cross Lake, Manitoba, on November 6, 2003.
Police were called to the nursing station at about 2:45 on Nov. 6, 2003 after the child was brought to the facility and was pronounced dead. An autopsy has been completed however as foul play cannot be ruled out, the cause of death will not be disclosed at this time.
Police departments investigating, Coralee's death are On scene assisting the Cross Lake Detachment members are officers from the Winnipeg RCMP Serious Crime Unit, the Thompson Major Crime Unit, Thompson Forensic Identification Section Dan Norway House Detachment.
If you have any information, please contact:
Sgt. Steve Saunders, 1-204-983-8497
UNSOLVED
MISSING
Sylvia Ann Guiboche
SYLVIA ANN GUIBOCHE, aged 21, missing from Winnipeg since mid July, 2003.
Guiboche is described as a Metis female, 21 years old, 5’3” to 5'5" in height, 110 lbs, black shoulder length hair, fair complexion, average build with a scar on her right arm and pierced ears.
Sylvia is known to Police as a sex trade worker and is known to frequent the Sargent Ave./Ellice Ave. area
Sylvia was about 8 -9 months pregnant when she disappeared.Her family reported her missing on October 8, 2003 after not hearing from her since mid July.
She did not have a fixed address in Winnipeg.
Anyone with information that would help to locate Sylvia is asked to call the Missing Persons Unit at 986-6250 or Crimestoppers at 786-8477.
UNSOLVED
MURDERED
Isobel Lathan
Gerald Joseph Currie, 39, who was travelling by bus to Nova Scotia and was temporarily lodged at St. Christopher's House on the night of July 28, 2001, was charged.Currie pleaded guilty to criminal negligence causing death and was sentenced to 18 months.
Ruby Verna Genaille
MISSING
Elaine and Hailey Moar
Elaine is described as aboriginal in appearance, 5’1” in height, 110 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes.
Her daughter Hailey Norma Elaine Moar is also aboriginal in appearance, 2’ in height, approximately 34 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes.
It is believed that they may be in the company of Norman Lee Moar, 31 years.
Anyone who may have information about the whereabouts of Elaine, Hailey or Norman is asked to call the Winnipeg Police Service Missing Person Unit at ph: 986-6250.
UNSOLVED
MURDERED
Nadine Beaulieu
Provincial Court Judge Roger Gregoire targeted Child and Family Services in his 200-page report into her death.
He says it handed over the toddler to foster parents who had criminal records and didn't monitor the home.
Nadine's foster parents, Clifford and Laura Richard, were charged with manslaughter and failing to provide the necessities of life, but the case was thrown out due to RCMP mistakes in obtaining a statement from the accused.
In a statement to police, 33-year-old Clifford Richard said he hit Nadine in the stomach with a backhanded swing of his arm because he was angry she kept trying to get some fried chicken.
MURDERED
Jamie McGuire
Jamie’s frozen body was found in a drainage ditch west of St. Francois Xavier in Winnipeg on March 17, 1994.. She died of a massive blow to the head. UNSOLVED
MURDERED
Precious Pascal
PRECIOUS PASCAL, aged 14 of St. Theresa's Point, Manitoba, about 500 km north of Winnipeg by air.
Precious who was pregnant at the time, disappeared and was reported missing. Her bloodied body was found two days later in a wooded area of the remote reserve.
Anyone with information is asked to contact : Winnipeg RCMP Serious Crime Unit, Thompson Major Crime Unit and the Thompson Forensic Identification Services .
An autopsy showed she died of blood loss due to trauma.
September 13, 1989 - January 21, 2004
Precious will be missed by her mother Lillian, sisters; Eila, Harriet and Priscilla, brothers; John, George, Dieter and Jeremy, brothers and sisters-in-law; Jodi, Cora and Jolene, nephews she adored dearly; Caidon, Aumery, Timothy and Bear and many friends and relatives. Precious was predeceased by her father Rodrick and grandmother Agnes. Precious brought joy and laughter to people around her. She had a gift of brightening up the day. Let us follow her examples of humour. Precious liked helping people. Her dream was to help the sick by becoming a nurse. Precious, thank you for making us laugh, cry and leaving happy memories. We Love You, We Miss You. May you and your Angel rest in peace.
MISSING
Sunshine April Hilda Wood
Sunny is female, 5'11", weighs approximately 220 pounds and is Aboriginal in appearance. She has long straight brown hair and brown eyes. Sunshine WOOD also known as “SUNNY” is 16 yrs of age and is described as female, 5’11” (180 cm) tall, weighs approximately 220 lbs (100 kg) and is Aboriginal in appearance. She has long straight brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen on February 20th, 2004.
If you see her, please notify Winnipeg Police Missing Persons Unit at 986-6250 or call the dispatch centre at 986-6222.
MURDERED
Susan 'Brenda' Levasseur
She died of loss of blood due to trauma following an incident.
During the same alteration, a 19 year old woman was also assaulted.
Cecil Junior Houle, 27, of Ebb and Flow First Nation has been charged with second degree murder.
MURDERED
Candace Henderson
Darrell Fontaine was convicted of one count of first degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, one count of criminal negligence causing death, and one count of criminal negligence causing bodily harm. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with no eligibility for parole for 25 years for the conviction on the murder charge. In addition, the accused received concurrent sentences of seven years on two counts of attempted murder. Conditional stays were entered on the remaining charges of criminal negligence causing death and criminal negligence causing bodily harm.
MURDERED
Dianna Marie Hamm
DIANNA MARIE HAMM, of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, was bludgeoned to death with a baseball bat, on October 18, 1991. She was repeatedly bludgeoned about the face and head.
Marc Allen Bell, aged 29, was charged with second degree murder to which he pleaded not guilty. Just before his jury trial was about to proceed he changed his plea to one of not guilty of murder, but guilty of the included offence of manslaughter. At trial he was sentenced to a prison term of 5˝ years of imprisonment The Crown appealed that sentence. On appeal Bell was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment.
MURDERED
Dorothy Martin
Dorothy died as a result of a gunshot wound to her face.
The night before the shooting of Dorothy Martin a great deal of drinking took place involving Dorothy Martin's brother, Wilfred "Chubb" Martin, her aunt Rachel Patchenose, Dorothy Martin and Gerald Wilson. In addition, Bonnie Cook and her husband Bruce Sinclair were present but not drinking. After Chubb Martin left the party, Dorothy Martin told the remaining people that Gerald Wilson had threatened her in the past. Bonnie Cook testified that Gerald Wilson responded by waving a bullet on a key chain and saying, "You're gonna get this tonight" or words to that effect. She testified that she did not take this comment as a joke, that the atmosphere was tense and unpleasant and had degenerated to the point where she decided to leave with her husband. She said that, as they left the house, Dorothy Martin tried unsuccessfully to run after them to get in their car. They then watched Gerald Wilson chasing Dorothy Martin down the back alley. The next day, when she talked to a friend, Karen Harris, on the phone and learned of Dorothy Martin's death, she became hysterical over the realization that the threat from the night before had come true. This was verified by Karen Harris, who testified that, upon learning of Dorothy Martin's death, Bonnie Cook said, "He did it; and related the threat from the night before to her.
Gerald Wilson was convicted of murder in Dorothy’s death but on appeal was charged with manslaughter.
He had previously threatened to shoot her. He had also threatened to shoot ex girlfriends if they ever "slept around on him".
To read trial findings click Here and Here.
The accused, Gerald Robert Wilson was sentenced to seven years in prison for manslaughter.
MURDERED
Sherry Paul
Shortly afterward, Ducharme killed himself.
Maurice Paul and Andre Ducharme had grown up together and Sherry Paul "inherited" him as a friend when she married Maurice. Ducharme visited the Paul home on many occasions and ultimately became obsessed with Sherry.
Spurned in his advances, Ducharme told Sherry: "You're not going to live to see your next birthday and I'm not going to live to see my next birthday". Ducharme was known to own a firearm. He was charged with uttering threats contrary to section 264.1 of the Criminal Code, and was released from custody on condition that he not communicate with Sherry or come anywhere near her residence.
Before and after making this threat, Ducharme had spoken about killing Sherry and himself to his landlady and to others. On some occasions, he discussed these thoughts while under the influence of alcohol; on others, he was sober. Sherry was told about these threats, but did not take them seriously at the time.
A week before Sherry's death, an incident with an incredible twist of irony occurred which changed Sherry's approach to Ducharme's comments. Terri-Lyn Babb was gunned down outside the hospital where Sherry worked. On duty at the time, Sherry ran to the scene to see if the victim's hair color was similar to her own. She believed, apparently, that Ducharme may have shot a stranger by mistake, believing it to be her. Sherry immediately instructed that the uttering charge, previously agreed to be dealt with on a non-judicial basis, be proceeded with in the usual way before the criminal courts. Six days later, however, Sherry's worst fears materialized. Andre Ducharme, the man who had been stalking her, finally killed his target.
MURDERED
Moira Erb
Moira’s family reported her missing on April 2, 2003.
Moira was a Harm Reduction activist, having participated in and presenting at various conferences, meetings etc. including the 1st Prairies Regional Capacity Building Workshop on Legal, Ethical and Human Right s Issues:HIV/AIDS and Drug laws, HIV/AIDS and Hep C in Prison, held in Red Deer Alberta , March 15-17, 2002
In addition, a document on Hep C Education Cirriculum, presented for The Canadian Harm Reduction, New Directions for Children, Youth, Adults, Families was dedicated to Moira.
UNSOLVED
MURDERED
Tanya Marsden
Tania Marsden was last seen alive on Wednesday, September 9th, 1998, the night of her 18th birthday. She was with friends at the Gordon Downtowner Motor Hotel, located at 330 Kennedy Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba. The bartender recalls her arriving at the hotel between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m. and that he had checked her identification (Indian Status Card) to ensure she was 18 before serving her. The girls left approximately 1 hour later, each going their separate ways.
Several days before she disappeared Tania had scheduled an appointment to meet with a Social Service worker on Thursday morning (September 10th, 1998), however she never kept this appointment.
Her body, weighted down with a cement block, was subsequently found partially submerged in the Assiniboine River near the Perimeter Hwy on September 29th, nearly three weeks after she was last seen alive. The cause of death was determined to be from ligature asphyxiation (strangulation) and the condition of her body suggested she had been in the river for several weeks (consistent with her disappearance on September 9/10, 1998).
No identification was found on the body, however several months after the murder Tania’s Indian Status card was returned to Indian and Northern Affairs by Canada Post. It had obviously been found and dropped in a mailbox and the location where it was found may hold a clue to this case, however the finder of the identification has never been determined.
Nevertheless the Homicide Unit was contacted by an anonymous source who provided sufficient information indicating they knew who the killer(s) was. This person has never contacted the police again, however investigators would like to hear from them again.
As Tania worked, and was last seen in the downtown area, based on the location of her body near the West Perimeter Bridge, there is a possibility that the suspect knows, works or frequents this area. As this area is not visible because of the bridge and is only accessible by a gravel road that runs parallel to and then underneath the highway, it may not be that well known to people outside the St James/Charleswood area.
If you have any information about this case, please contact Crime Stoppers at 786-8477 or Constable John Burchill at jburchil@city.winnipeg.mb.ca.
UNSOLVED
MURDERED
Nicolle Hands
Nicky, as she was called by family and friends, was the single mother of three young children who were the loves of her life.
She was described by all who knew her as bubbly and fun.
Anyone with information regarding the October 2nd incident please call investigators at 986-6508 or Crime Stoppers at 786-8477.
Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolence at Obituaries.com
UNSOLVED
MISSING
Jacqueline Stanicia
She is described as approximately 5’2” (157 cm) in height and weighing 95 lbs (45 Kg). She is Aboriginal in appearance and has long dark brown hair to her mid back and brown eyes. She has no distinguishing marks, scars or tattoos. When she went missing she is thought to have been wearing a blue t-shirt with built in bra, blue jeans and clogs with higher heels. She also had a purse.
Jacqueline was last seen sleeping at her sister’s residence on Des Meurons St, but when the sister awoke she was gone. She is on medications for some illnesses, and her medications are still at home. She had purchased a bus ticket for BC leaving Winnipeg on August 21st, 2003 but it was never used. This is the first time that Jacqueline has ever gone missing.
If you have any information about this case, please contact Crime Stoppers at 786-8477 (786-TIPS) or Constable Larry Rea by e-mail.
UNSOLVED
MURDERED
Marie Edith Banks
Two weeks later, on Monday, August 15, 1983, Banks’ body was found in a Fort Garry field off Sparling Avenue near Manitoba Hydro’s head office and the CNR “Rivers” Mainline. A neighbourhood resident out walking his dog found her body in the field and notified the police. The cause of death was determined to be manual strangulation.
Banks’ body was found face up with her arms stretched over her head and it appeared that her body had been dragged to this location. Other than her jewelry and a garter belt, Banks was totally naked and there was no clothing nearby suggesting it may have been left behind in the suspect’s vehicle or the location in which she was killed.
Although Bank’s clothing and purse were never found; a neighbourhood youth reported seeing a purse and a shoe similar to ones owned by Banks in the general vicinity on or about July 27, 1983. When the police returned to the location where the purse had been seen, a number of condoms were located on the ground (but no purse) suggesting that prostitutes may have frequented this vicinity.
Unfortunately, such investigations are often hampered by the lifestyle of prostitutes as their activities immediately prior to their death are hard to establish and previous customers are not likely or willing to step forward with information. Furthermore, Banks associated with organized criminals and had previously complained about being assaulted by some of them who wanted to take over “management” of her business (ie: pimps).
In an ironic twist of fate, Banks’ body was found almost one year to the day and less than 100 meters from the body of another part-time prostitute. On August 6, 1984, the body of Constance Lynn Cameron was found in a field on the other side of the CNR tracks from where Banks was found. She too was last seen in the downtown area of Winnipeg and had died as a result of manual strangulation.
Blue Circle indicates area where body of Marie banks was found. Red Circle indicates area where body of Constance Cameron was found.
If you have any information about this case, please contact Crime Stoppers at 786-8477, or e-mail Det. Sgt. Al Bradbury of the Unsolved Homicide Unit.
UNSOLVED
MURDERED
Geraldine Settee
Details being withheld at respected request of family.
UNSOLVED
MURDERED
Evelyn Stewart
Stewart worked in the area as a prostitute and was last seen alive at 3:00 a.m. that morning in the area of the Mount Royal Hotel, only a few blocks from Gateway Industries. The area was known to be used on occasion by prostitutes and it is believed that Stewart was killed by one of her clients over some perceived wrong (either past or present) shortly before 5:00 a.m. Unfortunately, investigations are often hampered by the lifestyle of prostitutes as their activities immediately prior to their death are hard to establish and previous customers are not likely or willing to step forward with information.
Due to the severity of her injuries it is possible that the vehicle used by the killer may still have traces of her blood in it. Furthermore, while there is no indication that a sexual assault occurred, several biological samples were recovered from the crime scene which may hold a clue as to the suspects identity.
If you have any information about this case, please contact Crime Stoppers at 786-8477, or e-mail Det. Sgt. Al Bradbury of the Unsolved Homicide Unit.
UNSOLVED
MURDERED
Bernice Bottle
BERNICE BOTTLE, aged 36, originally from Lac Seul First Nation, ON, was found murdered on Augst 26, 1986, in Winnipeg, MB.
No further information is available at this time.
UNSOLVED