Communities left grieving after 4 Indigenous women are believed to have been killed by serial killer
Community members are honouring and remembering the four Indigenous women who are believed to have been killed at the hands of a serial killer.
“It’s been a lot for many people in the last 24 hours since we had received the news of the loss of four women. Two of these women were from Long Plain,” said Kyra Wilson, Chief of Long Plain First Nation, in an interview on Friday.
“Right now what we’ve been doing as a community is just coming together to ensure that we have the proper supports in place.”
A candlelight vigil was held on Thursday after the Winnipeg Police Service announced that Jeremy Anthony Michael Skibicki had been charged in the killings of four Indigenous women.
Wilson said it’s unfortunate that Indigenous communities so often have to come together for vigils.
“It really speaks to how Indigenous women or two-spirit [individuals] or men are targeted when it comes to violence,” the chief said.
“It’s not just somethings that’s happened yesterday, today – this is something that’s happened for generations.”
The investigation began in May 2020 when police released details about the death of Rebecca Contois, 24, whose remains were found near an apartment on Edison Avenue and at the Brady Landfill. Skibicki was charged with first-degree murder in connection to Contois’ death.
The Winnipeg Police Service continued to investigate and on Thursday, announced that officers identified three more victims. It’s believed these women were killed between March and May.
One woman, who has yet to be been identified, is believed to have been killed around March 15, 2022.
Two other victims have also been identified – Morgan Beatrice Harris, 39, and Marcedes Myran, 26. Harris is believed to have been killed on or around May 1, and Myran is believed to have been killed on or around May 4. Both Harris and Myran were members of Long Plan First Nation.
Police charged Skibicki with three more counts of first-degree murder. None of the charges have been proven in court.
Wilson said she had a personal connection to Contois, Harris and Myran.
“It’s really sad because as Indigenous communities, we have all these connection to each other, even if you’re not related, you know them, or are connected to them from family, from friends, from community initiatives,” she said.
“There’s that connection there with each and every one of us. It really is such a big loss for our Indigenous communities, even if somebody is not directly related to us or to the community.”
In a statement, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) expressed its condolences to the family, friends and nations of the four women who were killed.
SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels said he is “extremely distressed” by the news of these deaths.
“On behalf of SCO, I extend our deep condolences to the families, friends, and those who loved these four women,” he said.
“We will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers as you grapple with the news that your loved ones have been taken from us in such a violent way.”
Daniels said that the SCO urges those involved in investigating and prosecuting the suspect to charge him with committing hate crimes against Indigenous women. The SCO also wants investigators to understand that families have been saying for years that there are serial killers who target Indigenous women.
“I urge all those impacted by this news to seek out supports. Reach out to one another and seek out mental health and wellness supports should you need them,” Daniels said.
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) also released a statement on the investigation, saying the organization is saddened by the news.
On behalf of the AMC, Grand Chief Cathy Merrick sent her deepest condolences to the families who have lost a loved one.
“Canada, the Province of Manitoba, and the Winnipeg Police Services must implement more measures to protect First Nations women from the murderers who target them. We must work together to honour the MMIWG’s 231 Calls to Justice and act immediately,” Merrick said.
- With files from CTV’s Charles Lefebvre and Taylor Brock.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.