CTV News has learned a youth from the Garden Hill First Nation community has been charged in connection with the slaying of Teresa Robinson.
Police are releasing few details at this time. They confirm a male was arrested on Garden Hill First Nation without incident.
"While we understand that this arrest will generate a lot of questions, we are not in a position to provide further information at this time as there are a number of investigative steps currently being undertaken," RCMP Sgt. Bert Paquet said.
Robinson, 11, was last seen leaving a birthday party in Garden Hill First Nation on May 5, 2015.
It was initially believed the girl was mauled by an animal, but police later announced they were treating the case as a homicide.
Robinson’s remains were found six days after she was reported missing.
In January, officers started voluntarily collecting DNA samples from men on Garden Hill between the ages of 15 and 66.
The Mounties made a number of trips to the community collecting these samples, and it’s believed hundreds were given.
At this point, it’s not known what sparked the arrest.
CTV News has been told the community is in shock, and there was a strong belief among many on the First Nation that someone from outside the community was to blame for the murder.
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs said RCMP briefed them on the arrest.
“Your loss is tremendous and our hearts and prayers are with you at this time,” MKO Grand Chief Sheila North Wilson said in a statement.
“”While the circumstances are very difficult, I hope that this new information may help bring some closure for the family and the community.”
Police said they will release further details on Friday.
