'Our hearts are hurting': Family of missing Manitoba man searching for answers
The family of a Manitoba man who has been missing since October is searching for answers about his disappearance.
Rico Cody Linklater, 22, was last seen on Oct. 21 in Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (Nelson House).
On Wednesday, his family held a news conference with the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) to ask the public for information about his whereabouts, and urge the RCMP to provide increased updates.
“Our son Rico has been missing for over a month,” said Sylvia Wood, Rico’s mother, before breaking down into tears.
Rico’s father, Roger Linklater, said they are in “total shock and disbelief.”
“We’ve always loved our son and we know him as very humble,” he said.
“He is dearly loved by us, his siblings and the entire family.”
Roger added that Rico’s life is the “most important thing in the world right now,” saying that they need answers about his disappearance.
“Our hearts are hurting,” he said,
Wood said the family is frustrated by the lack of updates they’ve received from the RCMP. She said they’ve shared a number of tips with Mounties, but have not received any follow-ups.
The family is now urging police to share more information with them about Rico’s disappearance, and is asking residents of Nisichawayasihk to come forward with anything they know that could help them find Rico.
“Please bring our son home,” Roger said.
In a statement to CTV News, the Manitoba RCMP said the investigation into Rico's disappearance is still 'extremely active.'
"Officers have spoken with dozens of community members and have followed up on numerous tips in relation to this disappearance," Sgt. Paul Manaigre, a media relations officer for the RCMP, said in a statement.
Manaigre said a family liaison for the investigation has been appointed and is in contact with the family, last meeting with them in November.
"We always have to consider what we share in an investigation, even with the family, as we cannot jeopardize the investigation," Manaigre said.
When RCMP initially announced Rico’s disappearance in October, they said he was believed to still be in Nisichawayasihk, though there’s the possibility he may have travelled to Thompson.
Rico is described as six feet tall, 160 pounds, with a slim build, black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information on his disappearance can contact 204-484-2837 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. People can also submit secure tips online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
NDP calls out Conservatives for effort to quash pharmacare legislation
The federal New Democrats are calling out Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and his party for trying to block the bill that could pave the way for millions of Canadians to access birth control and diabetes coverage.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
DEVELOPING Hamas accepts Gaza ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar
Hamas said it has accepted a ceasefire deal proposed by Egypt and Qatar which seeks to halt the seven-month war with Israel in Gaza.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Manitoba Court of Appeal dismisses Peter Nygard's appeal of extradition order
The Manitoba Court of Appeal has dismissed Peter Nygard's application for a judicial review of an order to extradite the former fashion mogul to the United States, where he faces sex trafficking and racketeering charges.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
For the first time, researchers have identified a genetic form of late-in-life Alzheimer's disease
For the first time, researchers have identified a genetic form of late-in-life Alzheimer’s disease — in people who inherit two copies of a worrisome gene.
B.C. court date set for 3 accused of murdering Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three suspects accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year are scheduled to appear in court in Surrey on Tuesday.